Programme *
Insights from industry experts and market participants
28 April 2026 - Networking Event
Meet & exchange with speakers and fellow attendees
Opening word by the organisers:
Maria Beyer-Fistrich
Editor-in-Chief Aerospace & Defence
Gerd
Kielburger
Director International Business & Strategy
29 April 2026 - Welcome Reception & Conference
Check in & Welcome Coffee
Participant check-in, networking, and first discussions with clusters and associations.
BLOCK 1 — Orientation & Framework Conditions
A European overview for newcomers: procurement, regulation, technology policy
Objective: SMEs understand the broader context of European defence supply chains—the political drivers, industrial strategies, procurement structures, and legal requirements.
Keynote: Strategic Technological Sovereignty in Europe – Industry, Innovation and Supply Chains 2030
Topics:
- EU procurement architecture
- European sovereignty initiatives
- Role of SMEs and civil innovation clusters
- Industrial policy & procurement reforms
Expert Talk: Certification & Compliance in the European Context
Topics:
- AQAP, NIS2, VS-NfD, ITAR/EAR
- Requirements, timelines, common mistakes for newcomers
- National vs. European differences
- Key considerations before submitting an offer
Expert Talk: Regulation, Risk, and Readiness: Legal Hurdles in European Defence Supply
Topics:
- BAAINBw, OCCAR, EDA, PESCO, NATO NSIP
- National vs. European contract law
- Cross-border procurement and contract law
- How new suppliers get “on the radar”
- Access pathways for SMEs across EU states
Prof. Dr. Thomas Klindt
Attorney at Law | Partner
Specialist lawyer for administrative law
Head of Defence & Security
Noerr Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB
Coffee break and Networking
Expert Talk: European Funding Instruments & Cross-Border Cooperation Models
Topics:
- EDF, EDIDP, DIANA, dtec.bw
- European cooperation frameworks (PESCO, EDF, OCCAR, EDA)
- Selection process insights
- Cross-border consortium formation
- SME requirements for successful consortium participation
- Success stories from transnational teams
Q&A & Synthesis of Block 1
Lunch break and Networking
Informal exchange at thematic tables with clusters, associations, and peers.
BLOCK 2 — European Best Practices & Industrial Pathways
Concrete pathways into supply chains – real-world examples, success factors, lessons learned
Objective: Provide practical examples following the strategic overview, highlighting real entry paths and lessons for SMEs.
Keynote: Entering European Defence Supply Chains – Lessons Learned from European Innovators
Topics:
- Expectations for suppliers
- Dos & Don’ts in practice
- Required capability and organisational maturity (“defence readiness”)
- Examples of successful market entry
Practice Talk: Integrating Dual-Use Technologies into Defence – Cross-European Use Cases
Topics:
- Sensorics, embedded systems, AI, electronics manufacturing, UAVs
- Technical and organisational challenges across Europe
- Case studies from Spain, Italy, Nordics, DACH
- Interfaces with primes/system integrators
Practice Talk: The SME Journey into European Defence Supply Chains
Topics:
- Time-to-Contract
- Case studies from Poland, Finland, Austria, France
- Pilot projects & first contracts
- Security clearance management
- Clusters & partnerships as entry points
- Standards, partnering, and cross-border teaming
Open Discussion and Q&A
BLOCK 3 — Parallel Thematic Workshops & Networking Lab
Format: 5–6 parallel thematic workshops. Participants can rotate or stay in one workshop.
Workshops / Matchmaking / Speed Dating / Pitches
Objective: Enable hands-on discussion, networking, pitches and problem-solving in Start-ups and SME-relevant supply chain topics.
Possible Topics (still in progress):
- Workshop – Deep Dives: Legal Hurdles in European Defence Supply
- Workshop: Electronics & PCB Manufacturing - Technical standards, supply chain expectations, entry strategies
- Matchmaking: Software & Embedded Systems - Integration with defence systems, dual-use applications
- Speed Dating: Sensorics & Optoelectronics - Case studies, certification requirements, partner engagement
- Matchmaking: Automation & Robotics - Industrial maturity, cross-border deployment, collaboration models
- Matchmaking: Precision Machining & Metalworking - Quality standards, procurement readiness, compliance issues
- Speed Dating: Materials: Composites & Specialty Steels - Supplier development, dual-use technologies, consortia opportunities
- Start-Up Pitch Session: Next-Generation Defence Solutions
Closing Panel: European Industrial Futures: Innovation, Cooperation, Competitiveness
Panel with representatives from multiple EU countries, e.g., Capgemini or sponsoring organisation
Discussion Topics:
- Time-to-Contract
- Case studies from Poland, Finland, Austria, France
- Pilot projects & first contracts
- Security clearance management
- Clusters & partnerships as entry points
- Standards, partnering, and cross-border teaming
Closing Remarks & Next Steps
Maria Beyer-Fistrich
Editor-in-Chief Aerospace & Defence
Gerd
Kielburger
Director International Business & Strategy
Informal Networking Reception
Opportunity for follow-up meetings and continued networking.
* Subject to change
