Two newly released expert reports by the European Commission have provided insights into the role of dual-use research and innovation (R&I) in shaping future EU funding policies
These reports support strategic decision-making by examining how technologies designed for both civilians and defence applications can boost security, autonomy, and competitiveness across Europe.
Maximising strategic value through dual-use R&I
The first report, a Policy Brief by the Expert Group on the economic and societal impact of research and innovation (ESIR), examines how EU investments in due-use R&I can be used to address key policy objectives.
The brief outlines that dual-use research can increase research productivity and enhance synergies between the defence and civilian sectors.
According to the analysis, this collaboration can drive innovation, improve efficiency, and strengthen the EU’s ability to respond to emerging security and technological challenges.
In addition to promoting innovation, the report emphasises the importance of addressing ethical considerations and establishing strong governance frameworks. It also recommends increased awareness among researchers and stakeholders, better mechanisms for transferring research outputs, and closer collaboration between scientists and defence experts.
Practical applications and international insights
The second report, titled “Unlocking the potential of dual-use research and innovation”, offers a more hands-on perspective. It brings together knowledge from civil and defence R&I communities and provides real-world case studies to show how dual-use strategies can be implemented effectively.
This report examines the dual-use innovation landscape from the perspective of research-performing organisations, start-ups, scale-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It highlights the opportunities and challenges these players face when working across the civil-defence boundary.
The report also includes international comparisons, giving examples from national policies and funding programmes outside the EU. These global insights help highlight where the EU stands in terms of fostering civil defence synergies and where further progress can be made.
Strategic context and future policy direction
As geopolitical and technological shifts continue to reshape global dynamics, the EU faces increasing pressure to maintain its competitiveness, strengthen internal security, and reduce dependencies in key industrial and technological areas.
The development of dual-use technologies is key to several big EU strategies, including the White Paper for European Defence, Readiness 2030, the European Preparedness Union Strategy, and the European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU. These frameworks highlight the necessity of investing in technologies that serve multiple sectors and contribute to the EU’s strategic autonomy.
In January 2024, the Commission took further steps by releasing a White Paper outlining new options for supporting dual-use research and development (R&D). A public consultation followed, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to shaping policies that enhance the development and deployment of these critical technologies.
Together, the two reports provide a clear view of how dual-use research and innovation can be used to support Europe’s broader policy objectives. With a mix of high-level strategic guidance and on-the-ground examples, they form a crucial foundation for shaping future EU funding programmes that bridge civilian and defence needs in a responsible and forward-looking manner.
