European Defence Innovation and the Dual-Use Imperative

Europe’s defence landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The principle of dual-use by design, now embedded in EU infrastructure and innovation policy, has created an unprecedented convergence between civilian technology and defence requirements. With billions mobilised through the European Defence Fund, EUDIS, EDIP, AGILE, and Horizon Europe, and with the European Preparedness Union Strategy setting the political framework, the window of opportunity for technology companies, research institutions, and defence industry has never been wider.

The forum “European Defence Innovation and the Dual-Use Imperative” is designed to examine this transformation from multiple angles: the policy and institutional architecture driving it, the technologies at its core, and the concrete pathways available to Greek and European actors seeking to participate. Through three panel discussions and a series of high-level welcome addresses, the event will bring together voices from government, industry, academia, and active EU defence operations to map the landscape and identify actionable opportunities.

The forum is hosted by the JOIST Defence Innovation Hub in Larissa, Greece, established to serve as the structured interface between Greek and European technology innovators and the European defence ecosystem.

Target Groups

• Defence and Security Industry: Prime contractors, system integrators, and SMEs active in defence technology, seeking to expand their participation in European cooperative programmes and EDF-funded consortia.
• Technology Companies and Startups: Greek and European companies in AI, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, space, advanced materials, and digital infrastructure, whose civilian products carry direct dual-use potential and are eligible for EUDIS, AGILE, and Horizon funding.
• Research Institutions and Universities: Academic and applied research organisations developing technologies with dual-use relevance, seeking pathways to translate research into European defence and security programmes.
• Government and Public Authorities: Representatives of national ministries, regional authorities, civil protection agencies, and critical infrastructure operators whose mandates intersect with the dual-use technology agenda.
• Investors and Innovation Ecosystem Actors: Venture capital, institutional investors, and innovation support organisations with interest in the rapidly expanding European defence innovation market.
• EU and Diplomatic Representatives: Officials from EU institutions, agencies, and delegations, as well as diplomatic missions with interest in European defence cooperation, technology partnerships, and the evolving European security architecture.