San Diego Defense Tech

Re-proving through new coordination entities (Re-proving) creates demand for intermediary structures (Mediating); intermediation infrastructure enables further program launches (Scaling activity); program proliferation validates continued intermediation rather than direct coupling. Each new entity absorbs institutional pressure to "do something" while maintaining brokerage layer.

Coordinating through formal bodies and partnerships (Coordinating) provides permission structure for further coordination (Waiting); waiting for authorization (Waiting) increases value of coordination mechanisms as legitimacy-granting infrastructure (Coordinating). Security-conscious culture amplifies both behaviors. Each partnership launch absorbs pressure without requiring exclusionary choice.

Extracting value through established contractors (Extracting) reinforces incumbent positioning (Stabilising); incumbent integration (Stabilising) channels resource flows toward proven entities (Extracting). Contract awards to 5 established firms and prime contractor presence co-occur with resource extraction patterns. Weak Y-side evidence (reinvestment, emergence) present but insufficient to disconfirm stabilisation.

Re-proving through entity creation (Re-proving) generates narrative material (Narrating); narrating through coordination bodies and associations (Narrating) legitimates further program launches (Scaling activity); scaling activity (Scaling activity) provides content for continued narrative without requiring testing outcomes. Each entity launch is both proof-of-concept and story.

Coordinating through formal mechanisms (Coordinating) creates intermediary roles (Mediating); intermediation (Mediating) becomes permission-granting infrastructure (Waiting); waiting for authorization (Waiting) increases demand for coordination mechanisms (Coordinating). Three-stall loop: alignment mechanisms create brokerage layer, brokerage becomes authorization pathway, authorization requirement sustains alignment mechanisms.