Defense and security organizations face challenges of centralization, bureaucracy, lack of transparency in resource allocation, and brain drain. These challenges reduce research effectiveness and necessitate the redesign of governance structures. Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), leveraging blockchain and smart contracts, offer an approach based on transparency, collective participation, and reduced intermediaries, providing a pathway for redesigning research systems; however, no localized model has yet been developed for application in defense environments. This study aims to identify and categorize the key components of a research DAO structure tailored to defense and security organizations facing the tension between transparency and confidentiality.
This qualitative study employed meta-synthesis. Through systematic searches of reputable scientific databases over the past ten years, conducted through a structured and transparent process based on predefined search and screening criteria, 139 relevant studies were selected and analyzed. Open, axial, and selective coding resulted in 4,822 initial codes, 883 open codes, 72 categories, and ultimately 23 axial codes. The findings were validated through a centralized expert validation assessment.
Ultimately, 23 components were organized into four layers: (1) decentralized governance and organizational structure (7 components), (2) economics, financing, and incentive systems (6 components), (3) decentralized research and innovation cycle (6 components), and (4) data and technological infrastructure (4 components). During localization, these components were aligned with defense and security requirements. The final model, emphasizing cybersecurity, permissioned blockchain, and interaction with formal mechanisms, indicates that decentralization in such environments can be achieved conditionally and proportionally to confidentiality and accountability requirements.