On 19 June 2023, 10:00-11:30, the 5th session presented the role of SME in the defense supply chain and sector. Ms. Roya Ayazi, NEREUS Secretary-General led the discussion, and attendees, including company representatives and regional stakeholders, were invited to share their perspectives on space-based security and defense.
In his presentation, Mr. Paul Anciaux from the European Commission, DG DEFIS, presented the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR), whose mission is to bring together regional authorities and clusters to share experiences and best practices on dual-use and defence-related activities. More concretely, he elaborated on the role of SMEs in the defence ecosystem, what are the challenges, and the EDF opportunities fostering innovation.
Next, Mr Klaus Bolving, CEO at CenSec – Center for Defence, Space & Security, showcased the role of CenSec and its strategic domains including space, defence, and security, and its significance for SMEs and synergies, and supply chains.
The speakers received many questions from the audience which were monitored by the NEREUS team. More than 100 participants registered for the webinar.
Watch the full webinar here
The webinar is part of a series of webinars exploring new approaches to developing synergies between space and
safety/security/defense. Previous sessions are documented on the NEREUS-website: https://www.nereus-regions.eu/category/events/defence/
Background:
The private space sector is one of the main players to boost the capitalisation of Europe’s space infrastructure. The increasing cooperation between the public and private sectors on many and diverse space domains, in particular, the downstream sector and the ongoing development of big and small private space players is vital for the future of the European space sector but also for an optimal cross-fertilisation with non-space sectors.
This online event will introduce the Network’s space clusters and companies active in a wide range of domains including agriculture, maritime affairs, R&D, and telecommunication. Moreover, it will explore potential partnerships within but also outside the Network as well as debate on new EU/ESA initiatives and funding opportunities. Private space business in regions is considered one of the most valuable topics for regional strategies, development and growth. In this context, NEREUS will provide its members with the necessary information on the topic and support this cross-cluster and cross-border collaboration.
NEREUS is a European network of regions, currently comprised of 24 Member regions and 33 Associate members (including space clusters and companies). NEREUS is the only European association that represents the interests of European regions and their stakeholders (companies, clusters, etc) using space technologies while simultaneously highlighting the regional dimension of European space policy and programmes.
