Abstract
This report examines how the UK national security community can more effectively harness private sector innovation. It assesses the current state of public–private AI partnerships, identifies barriers that prevent the rapid transition from industry products to national security capabilities, and considers how engagement with a wider range of partners can strengthen the UK’s strategic autonomy and operational agility. The report proposes a new National Security AI Innovation Centre to help coordinate engagement, expand successful initiatives, and support longer-term partnerships across the national security ecosystem.