Governance, security and defence

The Governance, Security & Defence Research Group is dedicated to advancing actionable knowledge and fostering innovation in governance, security, and defence. By driving forward-thinking challenges and addressing critical research areas, we aim to influence contemporary practices and support the evolution of governance and defence into a more integrated, adaptive, and technology-driven discipline. Our group's focus areas include:

Core Themes in national and corporate governance:

• National Policy Development and Economic Growth: Investigate how effective governance at the national level can foster economic growth, focusing on policy development in sectors such as technology, infrastructure, health or education.
• Governance Models in Public-Private Partnerships: Analyse the governance frameworks that ensure successful collaboration between public entities and private companies, emphasizing accountability and mutual benefit.
• Transparency and Accountability in National Governance: Explore mechanisms for enhancing transparency and accountability in government operations, using case studies from various countries.
• Cross-Cultural Governance Practices: Examine how cultural differences impact governance practices within multinational corporations and the strategies used to bridge these gaps.
• The Role of Governance in Innovation Policy: Investigate how governance structures and practices influence the development and implementation of national innovation policies.
• Board Readiness in Modern Organizations: Examine the evolving competencies and skills required for board members to effectively govern in the face of rapid technological change and globalization.
• Corporate Governance and Sustainability: Explore how corporate governance practices can be aligned with sustainability goals to drive long-term organizational success and ethical practices.
• Impact of Digital Transformation on Corporate Governance: Study how digital transformation is reshaping governance structures within organizations and the implications for stakeholder engagement and decision-making processes.
• Leadership in Crisis Management: Focusing on governance and leadership models that enhance organizational and national resilience during crises and emergencies in preparing for and managing crises, including financial disruptions, natural disasters, social movements, cyber threats, and reputational damage.

Core Themes in security:

• Cybersecurity Governance: Explore the implementation of effective cybersecurity strategies in government, corporate and military organizations, focusing on risk management, policy framework, and technological innovation that strengthen resilience against cyber threats.
• Political Regime Changes and Transnational Organized Crime: Analysing the impacts of political transitions on the dynamics of transnational organized crime, investigating how governance structures can effectively respond to this evolving threat.
• Cyber Security Studies: Dedicated to examining the complexities of cybersecurity, focusing on theoretical and applied research that informs best practices and policy development in this critical area.
• Countering Transnational Organized Crime: Exploring strategies and frameworks designed to combat transnational organized crime, emphasizing cooperation among nations and sectors to enhance security and governance.
• Regional Security: Delving into the security challenges specific to various regions, focusing on collaborative approaches to enhance stability and collective safety.
• Terrorism and Security Studies: Examining historical determinants of national military strategy, policy and objectives, as well as the historical context of current international and regional affairs as a way to assists the different nations in moving away from confrontation and toward lasting peace and stability.
• Irregular Warfare/Hybrid Threats: Understand international, regional, and domestic irregular warfare challenges as a vehicle to educate future leaders and provide policy analysis to address the evolving landscape of hybrid threats effectively.
• Impact of Disinformation on National Security: Analysing the effects of disinformation and misinformation campaigns on national security, focusing on developing strategies within a governance context to counteract these threats and promote informed public discourse.
• Emerging Security Challenges: Enhancing the capacity of decision makers and policy shapers to identify and respond to emerging international security challenges, including political frameworks and mechanisms to address them.
• Security Sector Reform: Exploring the process of security sector reform and good governance.

Core Themes in defence:

• Corporate Governance in Defence Contractors: Explore best practices for corporate governance within companies supplying the defence industry, focusing on ethics, transparency, and compliance with international standards.
• The Role of Defence Boards in Strategic Innovation: Analyse how boards in defence organizations can foster innovation and support the integration of emerging technologies to enhance competitive advantage.
• National Policy Development for Defence Innovation: Examine how national policies can be crafted to encourage innovation in the defence sector, including investment in R&D, talent development, and fostering public-private partnerships.
• Governance and National Security- Balancing Business and Policy: Study the governance structures that balance national security interests and business objectives, focusing on regulatory frameworks and stakeholder management.
• Data Governance in National Defence: Investigate the frameworks and policies required to govern the use of big data and analytics in defence settings, addressing issues of privacy, security, and ethical use.
• The Impact of Defence Spending on National Economies: Assess the economic implications of defence budgets on national and regional economies, including investment in infrastructure and innovation.
• Strategic Policy Frameworks for Defence Export Controls: Explore the development of policy frameworks that govern the export of defence technology and equipment, balancing national security with economic growth.
• Risk Governance in Defence Procurement: Analyse the risks associated with procurement processes in the defence sector and develop governance models to ensure efficiency, accountability, and integrity.
• Building Resilient Defence Supply Chains through Policy: Examine how national policies can be structured to enhance the resilience of defence supply chains, considering geopolitical risks and globalization effects.
• Artificial Intelligence in Defence Strategy: Assess the role of AI in enhancing defence capabilities, including autonomous systems, intelligence analysis, and strategic decision-making.
• Public-Private Partnerships in Defence: Investigate the dynamics and outcomes of collaborations between government defence agencies and private sector companies, focusing on innovation, funding models, and policy implications.
• Ethical Governance in Military Operations: Examine ethical issues related to governance in military operations, including human rights considerations, the use of autonomous weapons, and the impact on civilian populations.
• Supply Chain Resilience in Defence Industries: Analyse the vulnerabilities and strengths of defence supply chains in the context of global disruptions and develop frameworks for enhancing resilience and sustainability.
• Defence Policy Adaptation to Climate Change: Study how defence strategies and policies are adapting to the implications of climate change, such as resource scarcity, disaster response, and geopolitical shifts.
• Technological Transformation of Defence Organizations: Explore how digital technologies, such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), are transforming defence operations, logistics, and communications.
• Leadership and Decision-Making in Defence Crises: Examine the leadership styles, decision-making processes, and crisis management strategies within military and defence organizations during times of conflict or emergency.
• International Defence Cooperation and Governance: Investigate the frameworks and challenges of international defence cooperation, focusing on alliances, joint operations, and governance structures.