Background & Purpose:
Due to the rapid transformations in the field of defense science, technology and innovation, enhancing managerial capacities in this domain has become a strategic necessity. This study aimed to identify and prioritize managerial capacities and empowerment methods in the studied defense organization, providing a basis for short-, medium- and long-term planning.
Methodology: This research is applied in purpose and quantitative in method with a descriptive–analytical approach. The statistical population consisted of scientific and practical experts in defense STI policy who were selected judgmentally. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire whose face validity was confirmed by experts and reliability verified with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.991. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests (Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Wilcoxon, Friedman) and multi-criteria decision-making techniques such as TOPSIS.
Findings: Nine managerial capacities were identified, with “attitudes and insights” and “cognitive capacity” ranking highest. Developing technological and innovative strategies and supporting strategic decision-making emerged as the most effective empowerment methods.
Conclusion: Enhancing managerial capacities in defense STI requires focusing on key capacities and implementing recommended actions over short-, medium- and long-term horizons.