From service to sovereignty: How dual-use mandates drive innovation ROI

Dual use is when one investment delivers both civilian and military benefits. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a clear example. It provides the basic rails for government to deliver secure and connected services. When it is built well, it makes life easier for citizens and strengthens national resilience and sovereignty.

This panel will look at how public servants can identify dual-use opportunities in their programs and frame them in ways that attract the funding and attention needed to deliver the service. We will discuss how to measure both the obvious and hidden returns, and how to communicate results so that citizens see the value and elected officials feel confident to invest further. We will also ask how governments can align investments in areas such as cybersecurity, digital identity, and secure data exchange with Department of National Defence priorities—leveraging military spending to strengthen civilian services and national security at the same time.