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
EU Regulations and Standards in Interaction – what is required?
A brief introduction for Functional Safety, Cybersecurity & AI
Florian Kiel
Field Sales Executive – Functional Safety / Cybersecurity / Artificial Intelligence
TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service GmbH
Content
New EU regulations will fully come into force as part of a large-scale European sovereignty strategy soon. Products and companies in various sectors and supply chains will be affected. Artificial intelligence must meet the requirements of the EU AI Act. Cybersecurity affects various regulations such as NIS2, Cyber Resilience Act, Machinery Regulation or Radio Equipment Directive. The requirements of these regulations are complex and legally binding. The practical implementation of compliance takes big efforts. Which international standards can be used to fulfill the regulatory requirements in parts or completely?
The presentation explains the regulatory requirements, the practical application of international standards and the procedure for setting up products, production and companies in a sustainable way.
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
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
