The focus was on current developments in the security and defense industry as well as Fraunhofer IESE’s research on software-defined defense and safety assurance for autonomous systems. The program was complemented by a tour of the IESE showroom, a panel discussion, and numerous opportunities for professional exchange and networking. A central theme of the event was the question of how digital technologies can help make security systems more powerful, adaptable, and with future viability.

Digital Transformation as the Key to Security and Defense

Digital transformation is a key lever for flexibly and rapidly advancing capabilities in the defense sector and in internal security. Relevant areas of focus include interoperability across system boundaries, appropriate IT governance with robust standards and software architectures, and the early adoption of new technologies. Dual-use applications also offer potential by transferring technologies already developed in the civilian sector to security-related applications.

“Collaboration between research and industry is the Fraunhofer Society’s core mission. Since the “Zeitenwende”, many companies have been faced with the question of whether spillover effects or dual-use characteristics exist within their own value chains. The security and defense industry has offered opportunities in this regard not just since the Zeitenwende. However, this sector – like any other – has its own specific business logic. At Fraunhofer IESE, we are eager to explain these business logics to interested companies and provide insights into the research transfer of digital trends in the defense industry: software-defined defense, the importance of software standardization, and civil-military cooperation,” says Nils Brand, Research & Business Development “Software Defined X” at Fraunhofer IESE.

The Technology Site Visit was organized by the Commercial Vehicle Cluster in collaboration with Fraunhofer IESE and was aimed at companies interested in the security and defense industry or considering entering this field. In addition to expert presentations, the event focused on discussions regarding technological developments and funding opportunities, as well as the transfer of civilian technologies into military capabilities.