Answering your questions from the Scrum Alliance Global Gathering Munich

Why agility in Defence matters (to everyone), the 3 BIGGEST constraints to agility (and therefore reducing the time and cost of a program delivery) and the killer patterns we have found that have worked across multiple clients, plus a few real world anecdotes from our time in defence.

I spent some great time with Stuart Mcskimming of Virtue Chain talking about Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and how organisations can identify what adds value and what doesn't. We think about examples in the charity sector - and discuss what impact Generative AI might have in this area.

As Artificial Intelligence reshapes the modern battlefield, the UK faces an urgent challenge: how to harness AI for defence while ensuring security, accountability, and ethical integrity. From AI-driven cyber warfare and autonomous weapons to misinformation campaigns and predictive intelligence, the future of warfare is increasingly shaped by machine learning.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now central to military competition between global superpowers. Who will control this technology, and how will it shape global power? AI-driven defence capabilities are rapidly evolving, with nations investing heavily in autonomous systems, data-driven decision-making, and AI-powered offensive and defensive measures. In addition to state actors, private corporations are increasingly shaping the AI landscape, controlling vast resources, proprietary AI technologies, and critical infrastructure.

As artificial intelligence (AI) assumes a greater role in defence, we must confront a difficult and pressing question: should machines be allowed to make life-and-death decisions on the battlefield? The ethical implications of AI in warfare are vast, ranging from the risk of biased algorithms to the potential rise of fully autonomous weapons. If we fail to establish strict regulatory and ethical frameworks now, we risk entering an era where AI dictates the rules of war, potentially undermining accountability, compliance with international humanitarian law, and the very notion of human agency in military operations.

Modern warfare is no longer confined to physical battlefields. Artificial intelligence (AI) is shifting the domain of conflict into cyberspace, where AI-driven cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns can be as disruptive as conventional military operations. The UK's national security relies on staying ahead in AI-powered cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, and countering adversarial AI-driven manipulation.

In the fast-moving defence sector, where agility and innovation are vital, a global client approached Taurus Consulting to reduce their time-to-market for a critical product. The existing development cycle was slow and rigid, hampered by siloed teams and a lack of iterative feedback. Taurus Consulting introduced a rapid prototyping framework, fostering cross-functional collaboration and embedding a culture of continuous learning. The transformation not only accelerated product development but also enabled the client to make data-driven decisions with greater confidence.

Amid widespread disruption, delays, and escalating costs, the client’s ability to deliver on critical defence programs was at risk. The goal was clear: overhaul the supply chain to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and build resilience against future disruptions. By leveraging Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and predictive analytics, Taurus Consulting delivered a transformation that enhanced the client’s operational capabilities and future-proofed their supply chain.

The UK defence sector faces significant challenges in delivering complex systems within constrained timelines and budgets. Traditional leadership models, which rely on hierarchical decision-making and rigid processes, often fail to provide the adaptability and responsiveness needed in today’s fast-changing environment. Agile leadership offers a dynamic alternative, driving better outcomes in time-sensitive and resource-intensive projects. The Programme, aimed at replacing outdated weapon systems, demonstrates how agile leadership can transform defence product delivery through improved responsiveness and efficiency.

In defence programme management, transformation initiatives often prioritise systems, processes, and technology, neglecting the people who must adopt these changes. This oversight is costly, as the success of any transformation hinges on individuals embracing and implementing new ways of working.