The challenge
The client required direction in a fast-changing autonomous platforms landscape characterized by fragmented information, uncertain market trajectories, and intense competition. Specifically, the client needed a rigorously structured assessment to:
- Identify and prioritize the most attractive near-term opportunities
- Develop a clear view of market attractiveness despite incomplete or inconsistent market signals
- Ensure recommendations were aligned to the client’s specific strengths, so investment decisions would deliver measurable commercial and strategic returns
The complexity was heightened by the need to translate market insights into actionable priorities that could directly guide investment and resource allocation.
The solution
BCE Consulting was selected for its expertise in market assessment and strategic analysis in complex, technology-driven sectors. BCE deployed an integrated approach combining advanced scenario analysis tools with a tailored evaluation framework, customized to the client’s needs.
BCE assessed market attractiveness by segment using criteria explicitly including:
- Market size
- Competitive intensity
- Customer requirements
- The client’s “right to win”
To strengthen the rigor of the assessment beyond surface-level sizing, BCE incorporated qualitative insights from open-source research and targeted interviews with key stakeholders, including:
- Program offices
- Operators
- Combatant commands
- Congressional representatives
This approach delivered a comprehensive, data-driven perspective to inform near-term prioritization and investment decision-making.
The results
The engagement produced a granular segmentation of the autonomous platforms market, supported by three scenario-based projections (upside, downside, and base case). Multiple market segments were analyzed, numerous stakeholder interviews were conducted, and several high-potential investment areas were identified.
The client received clear, actionable recommendations on specific domains, platform sizes, and subsystems, improving both probability of win and expected ROI. BCE’s insights enabled the client to allocate resources with greater confidence, pursue targeted opportunities, and drive growth in a competitive and dynamic environment.
