In our defence: How to integrate dual-use research into EU funding programmes?

Defence-related research and innovation (R&I) is rising to the top of the political agenda, both in Europe and beyond. Russia's invasion of the Ukraine, plus geopolitical tensions and volatility around the globe, has obliged the EU to provide a collective response to a new era of security challenges - including, for the first time, an ambitious defence industry policy backed by large-scale investment in various science, technology and manufacturing domains.

In this context, the European Commission is actively exploring how to redefine the relationship between civilian and military research and technology development, and how to design and administer defence R&I funding - a responsibility which historically has been in the hands of member-states. Moreover, with the introduction of programmes like NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) programme, and an increase in endowments to the European Defence Fund, a push for dual-use research to also enter the EU Framework Programme could soon materialise.

Unsurprisingly, there are concerns within the research world about how this trend could affect existing R&I budgets and programmes. In parallel, public and private sector organisations are wrestling with the extent to which they are willing and able to engage in dual-use R&I programmes, while appreciating the opportunities that may lie ahead. Reconciling conflicting views will be crucial to avoid counterproductive tensions between the research and industrial compartments, and to ensure an efficient distribution of money through the appropriate funding instruments. On April 16, Science|Business will bring together experts from across its international Network and the wider defence R&I community to dive deeper into these issues and debate the best way forward

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