CARPE DIEM DATA

by Lieutenant Colonel Keith Dunwoody

In this timely and thought-provoking article, Lt Col Keith Dunwoody, Chief of Staff to Defence’s Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer, explores the pivotal role of data and digital transformation within Defence. Against the backdrop of the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Reform, he outlines how the reimagined Digital and Data Function is reshaping operational effectiveness across the enterprise. With clarity and conviction, Dunwoody challenges Royal Signals professionals to embrace functional leadership, prioritise foundational data practices, and communicate in terms of military effect. This piece is both a strategic reflection and a call to action—urging Defence to seize the moment and lead with data.

Executive summary

Digital and data have moved from the periphery to the core of Defence transformation, driven by the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Defence Reform, and the reimagined Digital and Data Operating Model.  These initiatives provide both mandate and mechanism to deliver integrated digital capabilities that enable military effect.  This paper reflects on the opportunities presented by this strategic shift, the progress achieved by the Defence Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer’s (CDAIO) directorate, and the priorities required to realise the ambition amidst fiscal constraints.

The SDR explicitly recognises digital, data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as essential enablers, embedding them within Defence’s top-level accountabilities.  Defence Reform positions digital and data as a cross-cutting function, granting the Defence Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) elevated authority to enforce coherence across organisational areas.  The Digital and Data Function now leads on governance, common services, and interoperability, focusing on outcomes rather than technology for its own sake.

Within this framework, the CDAIO has consolidated data and AI leadership, integrating the Defence AI Centre under a unified structure.  Key initiatives include establishing functional leadership for data governance, standards, and skills; a funded Data Programme to embed a ‘data-first’ mindset; and enabling interoperability with NATO and partners.  Practical impact is illustrated through capabilities such as the Digital Targeting Web, which leverages robust data foundations to deliver faster, more precise targeting across domains.

The paper concludes by challenging Royal Signals digital professionals to embrace functional leadership, communicate in terms of operational effect, and prioritise foundational data practices.  Success depends on collaboration, adherence to common principles, and a relentless focus on outcomes.  With the conditions set and authority granted, Defence has a unique opportunity to lead digital transformation.  The question remains: will we seize it together?  Carpe diem data.

Link to full article.