Was the Royal Navy already pursuing radical technology?

Was the Royal Navy already operating like this between the mid-1800s and early 1900s?

It was pushing technology forward, but it often relied on industry and competition between firms to finance development; the scenario makes naval funding more proactive.

The Royal Navy was already pressing for technical advances. Much of the development risk nevertheless rested with firms competing for its business. The proposed change puts public money into that process earlier. It changes who pays for experimental work and when the navy becomes directly involved.