EUROPEAN SYNERGIES BETWEEN CIVIL, DEFENCE AND SPACE INDUSTRIES

What has happened?

 

On February 22, 2021, the European Commission (EC) adopted an action plan on synergies between civil, defence and space industries.

 

Why this is important?

  • Fostering synergies and facilitating cross-sector activities and dual-use technologies can enhance economic growth and resilience, the single market and improve security for citizens
  • The level of participation by startups and SMEs in defence/security/space-related activities is low and they are often not well aware of the potential business opportunities.

 

What is in it for you?

 

The plan proposes concrete policy actions:

 

  • enhancing synergies (between the space, defence and security sectors) by:
    • improving coordination of EU programs and facilitating access to finance - before end of 2021
    • targeted actions for startups and SMEs - as from Q2/2021
      • eg interactive tools that facilitate access to EU funding programs similar to the Space Platform Project Funding Module
  • fostering capability-driven approaches, especially for the security sector - before end of 2021
  • promoting EU R&D funding for defence and space that has dividends for EU citizens 
  • facilitating the use of civil achievements in European defence cooperation projects
  • technology roadmaps to boost innovation, following assessments by a new (internal) Observatory for Critical Technologies.*

 

Additional proposed actions include to:

 

  • promote hybrid civil/defence standards - before 2023
  • launch a dual use innovation incubator - Q2/2022
  • set up a Cybersecurity Competence Centre - as from June 2021
  • to follow-up on the EC CASSINI initiative (see previous blog)
  • support disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, including by innovative forms of funding - Q2/2022
  • launch 3 flagship projects that may become game-changers:
    • drone technologies
    • space-based global secure communications system 
    • Space Traffic Management (STM) standards and rules.

 

Next steps

 

  • The EC will monitor the progress of proposed actions
  • The EC will continue to consult relevant stakeholders in particular to address challenges faced and on the proposed flagship projects.

 

* Critical technologies in the space & aeronautics sector include launchers, satellites, precision timing, positioning and navigation technologies, high-definition EO technologies and satellite-based secure communication and connectivity