The success of the Eden Defense Security Safety Cluster: Lessons for Germany

What is the Eden Defense Security Safety Cluster and how did it come about?

The Eden Cluster (European Defense Economic Network) is a French corporate association that was founded in 2008 by six entrepreneurs from the Rhône-Alpes region with the support of the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and the French General Directorate for Armaments (DGA). As the first French SME cluster in the field of defense, security and security, Eden has developed an innovative model for the exchange and bundling of strengths.

The cluster emerged from the realization that small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in the defense sector only increase their visibility through merger, expand their know-how and improve their competitive position in French and international markets. This philosophy of “hunting in the pack together” still shapes the way of working of the cluster.

What dimensions and structures characterize the Eden Cluster today?

Today the Eden Cluster brings together an impressive ecosystem of around 130 SMEs, which represent a total of 9,000 jobs and generate annual sales of almost one billion euros, of which over half no longer apply. These companies cover four complementary areas of activity: equipment for air, sea and land vehicles; Detection, protection and monitoring; Engineering and testing; as well as personal protective equipment.

The cluster is organized as a national federation and has regional representations in various French regions, including Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Brittany, East France, Île-de-France and the region. This territorial structure is coordinated by Vice President and regional delegates, which enables a decentralized but coherent leadership.

How does the Eden Cluster business model work?

Eden's success model is based on four strategic columns:

Information exchange and division

In such a critical area as defense and security, communication and information exchange are essential. The Eden Cluster promotes this exchange both horizontally between the members and vertically between the club members and their customers.

Joint representation

The cluster ensures a strong representation of its members at large international events, trade fairs and against national and international bodies and thus strengthens their visibility and influence.

Strategic monitoring

Eden carries out a continuous offensive and defensive surveillance to identify new opportunities and threats. This vigilance leads to the implementation of institutional relationship actions that aim to protect and promote the interests of the members.

Research and Development

The cluster promotes research and development in the area of defense and thus supports innovation and technological progress in the service of national and international security.

What are the concrete successes and services of the Eden Cluster?

The Eden Cluster has proven to be extremely successful in the internationalization of its member companies. At international trade fairs such as the Eurosatory, Dsei or Milipol, Eden appears with large communal stands that are almost as large as those of the French Ministry of Defense. These joint appearances enable even small companies with fewer than 10 employees to become visible on an international level.

At Milipol 2015, for example, 21 Eden companies presented themselves together, including Aéro Surveillance, Bollé Safety, Emitech, Novadem, Sofadir and many more. Jean-Luc Logel, the then President of the Eden Cluster, emphasized: “Being a member of Eden is a guarantee of credibility and professionalism as a quality label. By bundling expertise and reducing at exhibitions, small companies can strengthen their presence in international markets”.

A concrete example of success is the Saib Connectique company, which has been able to increase its military market share from zero to 20% of its activities since 2014. The company invested 300,000 euros in a technological robot and plans to increase its military production from 15,000-20,000 a year to 30,000.

What innovative approaches are Eden pursue in the support of his members?

Eden has developed innovative cooperation models that go beyond traditional cluster approaches. The cluster works closely with its European homologists, especially with German partners such as the GSW NRW EV (Society of Security Technology Economy in North Rhine-Westphalia). This European networking enables French SMEs to benefit from German experiences in reorientation from the pure defense industry towards civil security.

The cluster has also developed partnerships with technical clusters such as Techtera to promote innovation in the areas of defense and security. This cross -sector cooperation enables textile innovations for military and civil security treatments to be developed.

Eden's approach to diversification is particularly noteworthy: While an average of 20% of the activities of the member companies are eliminated on military applications, the cluster supports them in reducing their dependence on defense markets and opening up new civilian business areas. This dual-use strategy makes companies more resistant to market cycles.

How does Eden support export and international expansion?

Export support is one of Eden's core ambitions. The cluster encourages its companies to develop their activities abroad and is based on several pillars:

Experience and networking

The members share their experiences with regard to subcontracting, local partners and market knowledge. This enables new exporters to learn from the mistakes and successes of their colleagues.

Partnership support

Eden works with partners to support the members in financing issues, industrial compensations, compliance, intellectual property, regulation and transport.

European cooperation

Cooperation with European homologists (Estonian, German, British Defense Cluster) is expanding the network and market opportunities for French companies.

The members carry out joint prospecting campaigns abroad, share their sales representatives, exchange market and business information and jointly develop marketing and communication plans. This coordinated approach to international markets is particularly advantageous for SMEs, which individual market closure often cannot finance.

What is the current market situation and future prospect for Eden?

The current situation of the Eden Cluster is extremely positive. Nathalie Barat-Vandamme, President of the Eden Cluster Brittany, reported in 2025 of an unprecedented business situation: “We have companies with enormous work volumes, but also others, for whom it is more difficult, especially those who want to pivotage from the automotive industry and aviation that declines to defend it".

For companies in the base industrial et technology de défense (BITD) there have never been so many inquiries from large -scale managers. Some companies even speak of overactivity. "The orders for the defense are there. We should have work for 7 to 10 years," said Barat vande.

Your own company Obsort, specialized in obsolescence management and surveillance, recorded 80% of the annual turnover in orders in one quarter and strives for three million euros in sales for 2025. These numbers illustrate the current boom in the defense sector, from which Eden members benefit.

What structural advantages does the French system have towards Germany?

The French system around the Eden Cluster has several structural advantages that Germany can serve as learning opportunities:

State support and clear strategy

Eden enjoys strong support from the DGA and is involved in the national defense strategy. France is binding by program laws for five years of expenses for military investments of 15 billion euros per year. This planning security enables companies to invest and grow in the long term.

Central coordination in decentralized implementation

Eden works as a national federation with regional representations. This structure enables local peculiarities to take into account while a coherent national strategy is pursued.

Early dual-use orientation

While Germany has only recognized the importance of dual-use technologies in recent years, Eden has been pursuing a strategy of diversification between military and civil markets since its foundation. This makes French companies more resistant to market fluctuations.

Systematic export funding

From the beginning, Eden recognized export as a central growth driver and built up corresponding structures. The joint trade fair appearances and coordinated market processing are exemplary for effective SME export funding.

What weaknesses does the German system have in comparison?

Germany shows several structural weaknesses compared to the French Eden model:

Fragmentation of the cluster landscape

While France has a national cluster with Eden, the German security and defense industry is distributed to various regional clusters and associations. The GSW NRW EV, various state clusters and industry associations often act uncoordinated.

Missing long -term planning security

Germany does not have the French practice of binding multi -year programs for defense spending. Budget planning takes place annually, which makes long -term investment planning difficult for SMEs.

Inadequate SME export funding

While Germany is a strong exporting nation overall, German SMEs are less export -oriented than French. With German SMEs, the export share is 30%on average, while French SMEs are traditionally focused on the internal market. However, Eden shows how systematic export funding can reverse this situation.

Regulatory hurdles

German companies in international competition that strictly strict German arms export regulations and their handling in international competition. This discourages potential international partners of cooperations with German companies.

The hub for security and defense offers well-founded advice and current information in order to effectively support companies and organizations in strengthening their role in European security and defense policy. In close connection to the SME Connect working group, he promotes small and medium -sized companies (SMEs) in particular that want to further expand their innovative strength and competitiveness in the field of defense. As a central point of contact, the hub creates a decisive bridge between SME and European defense strategy.

Suitable for:

• The Working Group Defense of the SME Connect – Strengthening SMEs in European defense

What can Germany learn from the Eden model?

Germany can draw several concrete lessons from the success of Eden:

Creation of a national cluster

Germany should consider creating a national cluster for the security and defense industry according to the Eden model. This would coordinate the currently fragmented landscape from regional initiatives and enable a coherent national strategy.

Systematic SME funding

The French model shows how SMEs can be strengthened through joint trade fair appearances, coordinated export activities and knowledge transfer. Germany could develop similar programs, especially for SMEs that want to get into the defense market.

Dual-use strategy

Germany should identify and promote systematic dual-us potential. French experience shows that companies that serve both military and civil markets are more resistant and innovative.

Strengthen European networking

The existing cooperation between German clusters such as the GSW NRW EV and Eden should be expanded and systematized. This could be developed into a European network of defense clusters.

Binding multi -year planning

Germany should take over the French model of binding multi -year programs for defense spending. This would give companies planning security that is necessary for long -term investments.

What could a German Eden equivalent look like?

A German equivalent to the Eden Cluster could be designed as a “German network for security and defense economy” (DNSVW). This would include the following structural elements:

National coordination with regional hubs

Building on existing regional strengths, a national network could arise that coordinates regional clusters in Bavaria (with its strong aerospace sector), North Rhine-Westphalia (with traditional industrial companies), Baden-Württemberg (with its innovative medium-sized landscape) and other regions.

Cross-industry integration

The German system could systematically integrate the existing strengths in cyber security (such as the cluster in the Ruhr area), the automotive industry with its dual-use potential and the chemical industry.

Public Private Partnership

A close cooperation between federal ministries (BMVG, BMWI, BMBF), research institutions such as Fraunhofer institutes and industry could be institutionalized based on the French model.

International orientation

From the beginning, the German network should be internationally oriented and build systematic cooperation with European partners, especially with Eden.

Which political framework would Germany create?

For the success of a German Eden equivalent, several political course would be necessary:

Legislative reforms

Germany would have to modernize its budget and procurement regulations in order to enable innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships. The existing regulations often make flexible solutions that are necessary for modern defense projects.

Exporter emphasis

The German arms export regulations would have to be harmonized and their application simplified in order to give German companies fair competitive opportunities. This is particularly important for the formation of European consortia.

Research funding

Germany should expand its already strong programs such as “SME innovative: research for civil security” and link more systematically with defense research. The connection between civil security and defense research should be institutionalized.

Education and qualifications

According to the French model, special training and qualification programs for the security and defense industry should be developed. This could complement the existing programs of the chambers of industrial and commerce.

What chances of success would a German Eden model have?

The chances of success for a German Eden equivalent are generally good because Germany has several structural advantages:

Strong medium -sized landscape

With 3.1 million SMEs, Germany has one of the strongest medium -sized landscapes in Europe. These companies are traditionally innovative, export-oriented and technologically – ideal conditions for a security and defense cluster.

Excellent research infrastructure

The German research landscape with its universities, Max Planck Institutes, Fraunhofer Institutes and other non-university research institutions offers an ideal basis for application and development.

Technological leadership

Germany is technologically leading in many areas relevant to security technology, from the automotive industry to mechanical engineering to chemistry. These competencies could be used systematically for security and defense applications.

European integration

Germany is in the center of Europe and can act as a bridge builder between various European defense markets. The existing cooperation with France could be expanded and expanded to other partners.

What are the biggest challenges for Germany?

Despite the good prerequisites, there are several challenges to a German Eden equivalent:

Cultural reservations

Due to its history, Germany still has reservations about the armaments industry. These have to be overcome in order to achieve broad social acceptance for a national security and defense cluster.

Federal structure

The federal structure of Germany makes coordination between different levels more complex than in centralistic France. Country interests must be coordinated and double structures avoided.

Bureaucratic hurdles

The German administrative structures are often more complex and lengthy than necessary. This could deter innovative and agile companies to participate in a national cluster.

Financing gaps

While France has established mechanisms to promote its defense industry, Germany would have to develop new financing instruments or adapt existing.

How could the implementation be done?

The implementation of a German Eden equivalent could be carried out in several phases:

Phase 1 – Networking of existing structures

In a first step, the already existing regional clusters and associations should be systematically networked. The GSW NRW EV, Bavarian initiatives and other regional actors could be brought together in a national coordination platform.

Phase 2 – pilot projects and demonstrators

Through joint projects between different regional clusters, initial experiences with national coordination could be gained. International trade fair appearances according to Eden model could serve as pilot projects.

Phase 3 – Institutionalization

After successful pilot projects, a formal structure could be created that combines national coordination with regional flexibility. This could be organized as a registered association or as a public-private partner ship.

Phase 4 – international expansion

The established German network could systematically expand international cooperation and position itself as a central player in the European defense market.

What role could Germany play in a European context?

Germany could act as a bridge builder between different European approaches. While France follows a centralistic model with Eden and Great Britain prefers market liberal approaches, Germany could develop a federal but coordinated model that would be attractive for other European countries.

German economic strength and technological competence could help to set European standards in security and defense technology. Germany could take on a leadership role, especially in future -oriented areas such as cyber security, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.

The existing collaborations with France via Eden and German partners are already showing the way. These could be expanded into a more comprehensive European network that systematically integrates smaller European countries and uses their specific skills.

The way forward

The success of the French Eden Cluster impressively shows how systematic cluster policy can strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs in the security and defense industry. With its focus on joint market processing, coordinated export activities, dual-use strategies and European networking, Eden offers a model from which Germany can and should learn from.

Germany has the necessary prerequisites – a strong medium -sized landscape, excellent research infrastructure and technological leadership – in order to develop their own successful model. The challenges can be overcome if the political will for the systematic promotion of the security and defense industry is available.

A German Eden equivalent could not only strengthen the German security and defense industry, but also make an important contribution to European strategic autonomy. In a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, this is more important than ever. Germany should take advantage of this opportunity and learn from the French success model without simply copying its approach, but adapting it to the German special features and developing it into its own successful model.

Time is ripe for a German initiative in this area. The turnaround of security policy after the Russian attack on Ukraine, the growing importance of cyber security and the need for European strategic autonomy create a favorable environment for a national German security and defense cluster. Germany should take advantage of this historical opportunity and learn from the success of the Eden Cluster.

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

Head of Business Development

Chairman SME Connect Defense Working Group

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