The International Collaboration Department (ICD) staff at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute attended the hybrid conference “Brave new world: Building Europe’s capacities for defence and security R&D” that took place in Brussels on October 17, 2024.
The Science|Business Network of universities, companies, and research and policy organizations convened senior representatives from the worlds of industry, policy and research to discuss how these challenges – and opportunities – might be addressed as russia’s heinous invasion of Ukraine is reshaping European security and defense policies. The invasion has ended the so-called “peace holiday” that Europe enjoyed post-1991, causing a reevaluation of Europe’s geopolitical stance. Alongside the invasion, the energy crisis and recent hostilities in the Middle East have forced Europe to confront its vulnerabilities in supply chains and energy dependencies. These geopolitical shifts have placed defense and security at the top of the European Union’s policy agenda, which will now be dominated by such issues for the foreseeable future.
The conference emphasized the urgent need for Europe to rethink its external dependencies, particularly in the context of its aspirations for “open strategic autonomy.” This autonomy is now being tested, especially in critical technology sectors such as aerospace, cybersecurity, and AI. Discussions focused on whether Europe could reduce its reliance on external powers and strengthen its internal capabilities through cooperation and innovation.
“We strive for openness,” said Brian Wells, Chief Scientist & Chair at the NATO Science and Technology Board. “Every two years, we publish science and technology trends. An AI search engine helps us identify the most impactful innovations. Combining different technologies is key.”
Liam Benham, President of EU, NATO and Government Affairs at Boeing International, highlighted examples of successful collaboration: “Boeing and Saab co-developed a jet trainer – combination of model-based engineering, 3D design and advanced manufacturing. Airbus is using fuel-efficient engines from General Electric. In Ukraine, we’ve seen rapid development of artillery projectiles to address the ammunition shortages. The more collaboration with EDF [European Defence Fund], the better. Today, 28 NATO member countries are meeting the alliance’s target of allocating 2% of GDP to defense. But we need more collaboration between NATO and the EU to strengthen Europe’s industry. Old thinking must be left behind.”
The European Council has issued a mandate through 2029 to strengthen the EU’s economic base, recognizing that a robust economy is essential to sustain security and defense readiness. This will require significant investments in research and development (R&D), focusing on innovation and resilience in sectors like health, energy, and advanced materials. “We are committed to supporting Ukraine,” noted Michael Froneberg, Head of NATO and EU Relations at the KNDS holding company. “Countries like Poland are leading the way in doing much more.”
russia’s invasion also prompted reflections on NATO’s role and the looming U.S. presidential elections, raising questions about the future of transatlantic defense cooperation. The potential for a weakened NATO could leave Europe exposed, further intensifying discussions on European defense autonomy. “NATO remains the cornerstone of Europe’s defense,” emphasized Nynke Tigchelaar, Head of Unit, European Defence Fund Implementation (EDF) – Defence Technologies and Innovation, DG DEFIS, European Commission. “EU funding is available to member states. Boeing, for instance, needs a framework for R&D cooperation. At the start of [russia’s] invasion, 78% of materials were bought outside the EU. We need solutions to address the fragmentation of logistics and improve buying power. Protecting the results of R&D within the EU is critical, and initiatives like DIANA [NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic] could work in synergy with EDF. We have a work programme until 2027.”
Julie McCann, Vice-Dean for Research at Imperial College London pointed out the importance of bilateral relationships: “We collaborate closely with France and Germany. Fundamental research is key to driving innovation.”
Kia Slaebaek Jensen, Counsellor for Cyber Security at the Permanent Representation of Denmark to the EU, echoed these sentiments: “We work to elevate awareness of research security and establish best practices. But we don’t enforce what cannot be enforced.”
In a spotlight interview with Science|Business about the needs of Ukrainian innovators, Vitalii Cherniuk, Head of the Innovation Development Policy Expert Group at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, described the rapid evolution of Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem: “Our innovation ecosystem is transforming at an unprecedented pace. We have a robust startup community, and the civilian sector is more flexible than ever. One example is the Army of Drones program. We’ve also created accelerators and attracted investment. We formed the Demining Capability Coalition, and the Drone Coalition involving 17 countries today. Our Startup Fund is promoting the development and growth of early-stage startups in Ukraine. Flexibility is key – we need to fine-tune technologies on the testing ground. European companies are testing their innovations and receiving battlefield feedback. The recent opening of the EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv offers Ukrainian startups access to the European market. A pan-European consortium, composed by 20 entities, provides EUR20 million for Ukrainian startups to carry out various projects. However, unlike russia, we lack the funding to scale up our technologies. Collaboration with R&D centers across Europe can be the solution. Brave1, a Government of Ukraine cluster established in spring 2023, is dedicated to supporting these efforts. The European Commission supports some startups, but we need greater alignment between Ukrainian and European defense needs.”
The conference concluded with a call for sustained R&D efforts to modernize Europe’s production systems and ensure preparedness against future crises. Breakthrough innovations across sectors are seen as essential to boost both competitiveness and security in an increasingly volatile global environment.