Data-Driven Decision Making in Defence: Opportunities and Challenges

We are seeing an increase in 'crowdsourced data' being used in the defence sector. 'Crowdsourced data' is essentially a large data set that has been obtained from a number of different sources. This can include sources such as online questionnaires, live CCTV footage and other relevant information, such as current/future weather forecasts, which can be used together to generate insights.

If collected in a lawful manner, crowdsourced data can be very efficient in supporting defence strategic planning and operation execution. For example in situations such as navigation safety and mapping, crowdsourced data has played a pivotal role in providing real-time updates on geographical features, transportation routes, and potential hazards for decades. This continually updated information empowers both military and civilian users to make informed decisions, helping to ensure the success and safety of their endeavours.

However, it is vital that crowdsourced data is accurate and truly representative of the individuals involved. It can also be inherently sensitive, so comes with additional privacy/cyber compliance considerations and risks. For more information on some of the benefits and risks associated with using crowdsourced data, please see our article here .

How is technology being used to exploit data in the defence sector?

Technology is increasingly being used to maximise the benefits of data in defence. Examples include:

Practical guidance

Using technology in this way presents increased risks to organisations. These include regulatory risks, such as protecting individuals privacy rights and ensuring sensitive data is held securely and sufficiently protected against cyber-attacks. Key steps we recommend that organisations take now include:

Defence Programme activities

The Defence programme works to help the UK’s defence technology sector align itself with the MOD. techUK members are able to navigate and better understand the UK Defence sector to successfully align their own investment and resources to take advantage of business opportunities. Visit the programme page here.

Upcoming events

Latest news and insights

Learn more and get involved

Defence updates

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Defence programme.

Meet the team

Fred Sugden

Associate Director, Defence and National Security, techUK

Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.

Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.

Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 07985 234 170

Read lessmore

Raya Tsolova

Programme Manager, techUK

Raya Tsolova is a Programme Manager at techUK.

Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week.

Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there.

Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows!

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 07712630603

Read lessmore

Jeremy Wimble

Programme Manager, Defence, techUK

Jeremy manages techUK's defence programme, helping the UK's defence technology sector align itself with the Ministry of Defence - including Defence Digital, DE&S, innovation units and Frontline Commands - through a broad range of activities including private briefings and early market engagement events. It also supports the MOD as it procures new digital technologies.

Prior to joining techUK, from 2016-2024 Jeremy was International Security Programme Manager at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) coordinating research and impact activities for funders including the FCDO and US Department of Defense, as well as business development and strategy.

Jeremy has a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and a BA (Hons) in Politics & Social Policy from Swansea University.

Email:: [email protected]

Read lessmore

Tracy Modha

Team Assistant - Markets, techUK

Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.

Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!

Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 02073312000
Twitter:: @TracyModha,@TracyModha
Website:: www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83,https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83

Read lessmore

Data-Driven Decision Making in Defence: Opportunities and Challenges

Using data, including 'crowdsourced data' in defence

How is technology being used to exploit data in the defence sector?

Practical guidance

techUK's Defence Campaign Week 2024 - DefTech: Technology Transforming Defence

DefTech: Technology Transforming Defence - techUK Report Published

DefTech: Technology Transforming Defence – Campaign Week Launch