Rear Admiral Christian Bock on Creativity and Innovation in the German Armed Forces
Rear Admiral Christian Bock, head of the German Armed Forces Innovation Centre (IZBw) since February 2025, discusses the role of creativity and innovation in military leadership. In an interview with SLEEK magazine, Bock argues that creativity has always been a soldier's tool and that the military must embrace experimentation and flat hierarchies to integrate new technologies. He highlights that in Ukraine, small units with advanced technologies account for about 80% of the kill rate, demonstrating the asymmetrical impact of innovation. Bock emphasizes that understanding AI and digital systems is essential for future leaders, and that the Bundeswehr is fostering collaboration with researchers and developers. He asserts that security and creativity are not opposites but two sides of the same coin.
Key facts
- Christian Bock has headed the German Armed Forces Innovation Centre since February 2025.
- Bock states that creativity has always been a soldier's tool.
- He argues that innovation requires trust and experimental spaces (sandboxes).
- In Ukraine, 2-3% of troops equipped with latest technologies account for about 80% of the kill rate.
- Bock calls for a basic understanding of AI at the decision-maker level.
- The interview was conducted by SLEEK editorial team in Berlin.
- Bock believes security and creativity are two sides of the same coin.
- The scientific community in Germany is opening up to cooperation with the military.
Entities
Institutions
- German Armed Forces Innovation Centre
- Bundeswehr
- SLEEK
Locations
- Germany
- Berlin
- Ukraine