It is often difficult for new companies to meet the complex requirements of defense contracts. To make this process easier, the Dutch Ministry of Defense has introduced a new approach.
The Dutch Ministry of Defense wants to engage in cooperation with companies at an early stage as part of the “Strategic Defence Innovation Research” (SDIR). The aim is to coordinate strategic requirements with technologies that do not yet exist. The first SDIR projects have already been launched, including a project to develop unmanned aerial vehicles for the navy.
The NATO-summit offered the city of The Hague a special opportunity to bring together around 1,000 representatives from 33 NATO countries – including experts from industry, government and research. Discussions focused on how Europe can address strategic threats faster and smarter. In this context, 50 Dutch start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises presented their solutions at the “Securing the Future” event. This resulted in dozens of new cooperation agreements.
State Secretary Gijs Tuinman emphasized: “‘Securing the Future’ is exactly what we need. By harnessing the innovative power of small and medium-sized enterprises, we strengthen both our security and our economy. Especially in times of growing threats, this is essential – because a strong economy is the basis for a resilient society.”
