The recently published Defence Vision outlines a technologically advanced and information-driven armed force that is a reliable partner in national and international partnerships. Knowledge building, technology development and innovation are indispensable to stay one step ahead of (potential) adversaries and realise this perspective on the armed forces of 2035.

With the Strategic Knowledge and Innovation Agenda (SKIA), defence gives direction to this knowledge building, technology development and innovation. Although the document is only an agenda and the actual interpretation and implementation depends on political choices and the technological developments themselves, it does set the accents for the coming years. The SKIA will be debated in the second chamber on 2 February.

In a presentation, LKol ir. Rob Ceuleers will inform you about knowledge and innovation at Defence, the realisation and main principles of the SKIA and the four spearheads that Defence sees for the coming years. Namely:

1. Strengthening the defence-specific knowledge base
2. Embedding innovation in the working environment, culture and operations
3. Strengthening cooperation with our knowledge and innovation partners
4. Strengthening cooperation in the Defence Knowledge and Innovation Chain


After the presentation, there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion. Here, it seems most opportune to go deeper into spearhead 3. Who are these 'knowledge and innovation partners', how do we already work together and what opportunities are still to be explored here?