Belgium – Research and Development services on security and defence materials – HUB for EU DEFENCE INNOVATION (HEDI): Technology watch, landscaping - Military Utility Assessment - Market consultation - Defence Innovation Training Courses

HEDI’s Defence Future Insights (DFI) provides strategic intelligence on emerging defence technologies by monitoring global R&T trends, weak signals, patent activity, and dual-use innovations. It supports capability-driven prioritisation and long-term defence planning by translating technological insights into defence applications. DFI also assesses innovation ecosystems, identifying key players, readiness levels, and adoption barriers, thus guiding targeted support and informed decision-making for EU defence stakeholders. In parallel, HEDI’s Defence Innovation Course aims to build a shared understanding of defence innovation across EU Ministries of Defence. It delivers practical training for mid-level officers and innovation managers to initiate and manage innovation effectively, addressing capability gaps identified through European Defence Innovation Network (EDIN) and stakeholder consultations. This cluster initiative encompasses four distinct projects, each tackling specific aspects of innovation management: LOT 1: Technology Watch and Landscaping: Provision of a regular and structured AI supported assessment of worldwide technological developments across both defence and non-defence sectors, identifying emerging trends, weak signals, and dual-use innovations that could impact EU security and defence; LOT 2: Military Utility Assessment: Focuses on evaluating the potential military applications of emerging technologies, assessing their operational utility, and identifying pathways for adoption into defence capability development; LOT 3: Consultancy services for needs assessment, market research, and market consultations: Provision of expert consultancy support for conducting market research and facilitating structured market consultations to bridge gaps between innovation suppliers and defence users; LOT 4: Defence Innovation Training Courses: Development and delivery of a structured, high-quality Defence Innovation Course. The first specific contract will focus on an Intermediate Level while potential follow-up contracts will address Basic and Advanced levels. The course is aimed at fostering a harmonized understanding of defence innovation across EU Member States while equipping participants with practical skills for managing and implementing innovation projects within innovation ecosystems. .