ASD response to EU White Paper on technologies with dual-use potential

In January 2024, the European Commission published a White Paper on “Options for enhancing support for research and development involving technologies with dual-use potential”, followed by a public consultation. ASD submitted its contribution, noting that industry appreciates the added value of closing the gap between the civil and defence programmes and building synergies in terms of information, funding and technologies. A holistic approach should be developed to serve the innovation needs of both the civil and military sectors. The aim should be to set a balanced, integrated approach to funding and regulation to support innovation without introducing unnecessary complexities or duplications. It should be a ready-to-use legal framework, for investing in dual-use R&D and helping our ecosystem to move towards a more agile productization and market uptake of the R&D project outcomes.