In this keynote speech the NC3A General Manager identifies several key lessons from current operations and ways of developing capabilities, including the lack of agility, coherence and upfront interoperability. In dealing with current operational and capability development challenges, NATO and the member nations need to identify overlaps and redundancies and apply effectively the concept of ‘smart defence’ under growing financial pressures, while at the same time providing for close interaction with various international organizations, civilian security players, e.g. police forces, and private actors in complex crisis management operations. Among the specific recommendations are the establishment the position of a Chief Technology Officer and the transition from project to programme management.