The international involvement of SMEs in the defence sector should be increased. Especially in R&D activities
For some years now, it has been on the European Commission's agenda that cross-border activities of SMEs in the defence sector are much more limited than in other sectors of the economy. Especially in Research & Development. A clear understanding of the reasons for this and potential solutions is lacking.
Our Politics and Defence Technology Working Group said about this at the end of 2016 in the context of the"European Defence Action Plan":
"The observation in the European Defence Action Plan that innovation and disruptive technological shifts are performed in eco systems of start-ups and SMEs is true in many sectors of the economy, but much less in the defence industry." .... If the Commission intends to stimulate participation of SMEs in the EDTIB these issues should be addressed."
Our wishes have been heard:
The European Commission has posted a research brief on exactly this topic! The research is being conducted by 'Europe Economics' in London.
You can contribute to this research and help the EU increase the international involvement of SMEs.
The invitation can be found at this link: https://tinyurl.com/ya67nstg
You can also contact Sam Winward of Europe Economics directly.
T: +44 207 269 2654; E: sam.winward@europe-economics.com
Photo: Image at Defence
