Building Better Defence: Overcoming Challenges in Product Development through Supplier Integration in India

Abstract

This study investigates supplier integration challenges and strategies in Indian defence product development, employing stakeholder theory, resource-based view, and relational view as theoretical lenses. Through qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with key stakeholders, we identify critical barriers including information security concerns, regulatory complexities, and inadequate domestic technological capabilities. Conversely, collaborative platforms, streamlined procurement, and R&D incentives emerge as potential enablers. The findings reveal a complex interplay between national security imperatives and the need for innovation, highlighting the unique context of the defence sector. We propose a novel framework that integrates stakeholder management with innovation and supply chain theories, offering a more nuanced understanding of supplier integration in high-stakes, technology-intensive industries. The study's implications extend beyond theoretical contributions, providing actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders. We advocate for a paradigm shift in defence industrial policy, emphasizing long-term supplier partnerships, bilateral technology transfer agreements, and robust IP management strategies. Furthermore, we explore how emerging technologies like blockchain and AI can address persistent information security challenges. By synthesizing theoretical perspectives with practical recommendations, this research not only advances the scholarly discourse on supplier integration but also offers a roadmap for fostering a self-reliant, innovative defence ecosystem. These findings have broad implications for other emerging defence industries grappling with similar challenges in an increasingly complex global landscape.