The increasingly unstable and complex geopolitical environment has fundamentally reshaped the way security is perceived across the continent. Defense has become a strategic priority, where success is determined not by the size of forces but by technological advantage and the ability to respond to emerging threats.
Rising international tensions and growing challenges to regional stability have prompted Europe to redefine its approach to security. Strengthening resilience and developing innovative defense technologies have become central to ensuring strategic autonomy and preparedness for future risks.
The seminar will provide an opportunity to reflect on how technical universities, in close cooperation with the industry, can contribute to Europe’s strategic priorities and enhance its defense capabilities Discussions will focus on three themes: how to engage technical universities in European defense; dual-use technologies; educating engineers equipped with the digital and analytical skills essential for the modern defense industry.
To strengthen its defense capabilities, Europe must fully harness its scientific and engineering potential. Technical universities form a foundation of skills, research, and innovation - all crucial to Europe’s security and resilience. The European Ranking of Engineering Programs (EngiRank) highlights the capacity of European technical higher education. The 2025 edition covers universities in the EU member states but also in Switzerland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and the Western Balkan countries.
Engaging technical universities in European defense planning and strategic security initiatives.
Leveraging dual-use technologies to enhance security and accelerate knowledge transfer from science to application.
Educating a new generation of engineers with digital and analytical skills essential for modern defense.
Rectors and representatives of European technical universities, board members and senior executives of European companies from the defense and dual-use technology sectors, representatives of the European Commission and EU institutions responsible for policies in education, research, and defense, as well as academic associations of technical universities and organizations of students.
December 1, 2025 | 13:00-16:30
Business and Science Poland - NCBR Office, Rue Belliard 40, Brussels
(by invitation only)
In the context of growing instability and hostile actions along NATO’s eastern flank, security has become a top priority. Both EU member states and the European Commission are increasing defence spending. Modern warfare relies heavily on advanced technologies.
Key focus: To build effective defence capabilities, Europe must focus on cutting-edge innovations — achievable only through the active engagement of universities.
Chair: Krzysztof Jóźwik, Rector - Lodz University of Technology, President - Conference of Rectors of Polish Technical Universities
Panelists:
How Universities and industry can serve Europe’s defence needs.
Key focus: Dual-use technologies play a crucial role in strengthening resilience and accelerating transfer of knowledge from science to application.
Chair: Marek Kalbarczyk, Director, PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa) Brussels Office
Panelists:
Today, Success both in civilian life and in war depends less on manpower and more on intelligence, adaptability, and digital competence. European universities must adapt curricula to teach digital and engineering skills vital for both the defence industry and the armed forces.
Key focus: Building a shared ecosystem of education and innovation is key to Europe’s strategic resilience.
Chair: Marek Pawełczyk, Rector, Silesian University of Technology, Chairman of the International Affairs Committee, Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP)
Panelists:
Official presentation of the European Ranking of Engineering Programs results
Continue conversations and build partnerships over refreshments
President
Technical University of Denmark
Vice President for International Relations
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Senior Vice-President – ASD Pact for skills referent
Rolls-Royce
Director
EU and NATO Affairs Industry & Technology Foresight, Patria
Deputy Head of Unit for Industrial Research, Strategy and Coordination, DG Research and Innovation
European Commission
Vice President of Analytics and Data Services
Elsevier
Vice-President
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
DG DEFIS A3 Defence Single Market & Hybrid Threats
European Commission
Seconded National Expert
DG DEFIS A3
Rector
Lodz University of Technology
Vice-Rector for Research
Istanbul Technical University
Vice President Research & Technology International
Safran
Founder
Perspektywy Educational Foundation
Vice President for Research
Aalto University
Rector
Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Rector
Silesian University of Technology
Senior Vice-president and Brussels Office General Manager
Leonardo S.p.A.
Director
NCBR Office in Brussels
Rector
Cracow University of Technology
Secretary General
CESAER
Director
PGZ (Polish Defence Group) Brussels Office
Vice-Rector for Student Affairs
AGH University of Science and Technology
CEO
Business & Science Poland
Chief of the team of analysts for the EngiRank
Poland
COO
Perspektywy Press
Secure your spot at this important event
Business and Science Poland - NCBR Office
Rue Belliard 40
Brussels, Belgium
Bartosz Stawiarz
Seminar Program / Partnerships, COO at Perspektywy
Email: b.stawiarz@perspektywy.pl
Phone: +48 665 645 248
Magdalena Chróstna
Seminar Organization
Email: m.chrostna@perspektywy.pl
Phone: +48 22 629 53 26