So don't develop technology because it is expensive, apart from when you want to develop technology to shrink and standardise equipment, which won't be expensive at all.I agree but it could have been done better, and since we are on a internet forum in 2016 its far easier
I would Concentrate on keeping long term just sufficient programs,
- concentrate early on NA but have the ability to send a force out of area v second rate opposition.
- not develop as much technology and types of ship, ie one class of frigate, by buying in less vital parts hopefully in trade with others.
- develop technology so its easier to fit into ships and you can deal with changes, ie try not to have very long Sea Slug style mags that basically have the ship designed around them!
- try to sell as much equipment as possible, so try to build stuff that others will want at least to licences produce them selfless.
With hindsight the RN had a lot of advanced technology and systems that did work and did even sell well. It has also had relatively few really hard tests since 1945. It wasted a lot of money and effort by not planning better.
Buy in equipment from abroad, ignoring the fact that balance of trade ruled pretty much everything HMG did from 45-80.