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The security and defense Hub of the SME Connect Working Group Defense on Xpert.digital
SME Connect is one of the largest European networks and communication platforms for small and medium -sized companies (SMEs). Founded in 2017, SME Connect is involved in the interests of medium-sized companies at the EU level and brings SMEs, their supporters and relevant stakeholders such as associations, think tanks and universities, which are committed to SME-friendly politics.
The network pursues the goal of maximizing the effect and visibility of SMEs in European politics. It serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, positions, information and knowledge about the challenges and opportunities that SMEs meet in Europe. SME Connect supports the development of constructive partnerships in order to find common positions or at least enable an honest exchange of interests.
The Working Group Defense of the SME Connect - Strengthening SMEs in European defense
Innovative SMEs are an essential part of the EU defense industry. However, they encounter numerous obstacles in participating in gathering defense, in particular cross -border. In addition, global dynamics develop rapidly, which requires Europe's answer to the tightened global competition. This has underlined the need for improvements to existing structures and processes while newly implemented.
The aim of this working group is to combine SMEs and relevant interest groups in order to form a consortium of entrepreneurs that represents the defense sector and military suppliers. Using our expertise in products, services and markets, we strive to improve the regulatory environment within the European Union. B2B interactions are of the same importance for us. The merger makes it easier for market access and rationalize financing initiatives. Together we strive to serve as a primary resource for medium -sized companies in Europe's defense industry.
Markus Becker
I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.
Head of Business Development Chairman SME Connect Defense Working Group
The Milipol 2025 trade fair in Paris presents the latest security technologies. | Innovative products showcase the progress in security and defense systems. | Strategic solutions meet international trade visitors. | Global networking between experts and decision-makers. | Focus on surveillance, communication, and data analysis. | AI-powered applications are revolutionizing operational strategies. | Opportunities for companies in the security industry are growing. | Technological advancements characterize the exhibition. | Market developments and trends are made transparent. | Paris as a meeting place for the future and security. [...]
The Military Mobility Package strengthens the rapid deployment of troops and equipment across borders. | | Optimized transport routes ensure seamless military readiness. | | Improved mobility enhances deterrence against potential threats. | Europe is committed to common standards for military movements. | Coordinated infrastructure efficiently connects land, sea, and air routes. | Strategic planning reduces logistical bottlenecks and delays. | | Investments in transport networks increase defense capabilities. | International cooperation enhances crisis response. | Security and speed are central to all measures. | The package is key to modern, resilient military mobility. [...]
De-risking instead of decoupling strengthens SMEs and secures the future. | Learn the five strategic steps for reprogramming industrial processes. | Innovation replaces isolation for sustainable growth. | Global opportunities are strategically leveraged instead of being isolated. | Risks are minimized without sacrificing potential. | Clear analyses lead to sound decisions. | Cooperations foster resilience and adaptability. | Industrial DNA is rewritten smartly and efficiently. | Flexibility replaces rigid structures in competition. | With smart strategies, SMEs remain future-proof. [...]
The US shutdown reveals a political paralysis in Washington with global repercussions. | | America's fatal weakness threatens its reliability as a security partner. | Military readiness and NATO operations are being jeopardized by budget crises. | | Europe's security increasingly hangs by the thread of transatlantic stability. | | Economic turmoil and supply chain problems exacerbate geopolitical risks. | Trust among allies is eroding, and joint strategies are becoming more difficult. | The crisis is forcing Europe to rethink its defense and energy policies. | The pressure to act is mounting: Political inaction could have long-term consequences. | A stronger European pillar appears to be a necessary response to US uncertainties. [...]
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome crises through flexible structures and rapid decision-making processes. | The International Roundtable on SMEs shares best practices and cross-border solutions. | The IfM Bonn moderates research findings and practical examples from various sectors. | The focus is on resilience, digitalization, and innovative business models. | Entrepreneurial flexibility is key to securing jobs and competitiveness. | Participants discuss political frameworks and funding strategies. | Concrete, practical recommendations for SMEs are presented. | Networking among international stakeholders promotes knowledge transfer and growth. | Case studies demonstrate how adaptability mitigates short-term risks. | The insights provide guidance for decision-makers in SMEs. [...]
Flexibility is becoming a prerequisite for the survival of SMEs in a fragmented world. | Agile business models and adaptable supply chains create genuine competitive advantages. | Geopolitical fragmentation opens up new regional opportunities for export-oriented SMEs. | Digital transformation accelerates adaptability and expands market access. | Product and process innovation strengthens resilience against external disruptions. | Strategic partnerships and networks reduce risks and lower costs. | A focus on customer value and niche markets increases long-term competitiveness. | Diversification of suppliers and sales markets minimizes dangerous dependencies. | SMEs can thus become the winners in new value creation landscapes. [...]
Antimony, a metalloid, is considered a key resource in modern technologies. | China's strategic push with antimony is changing the global balance of power. | | Experts warn that the US and its allies could come under economic pressure as a result. | | Antimony is important in military and industrial applications, from semiconductors to alloys. | Raw material shortages could disrupt supply chains and drive up prices. | New research reveals unusual properties of the metal with strategic potential. | Trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions are intensifying the race for antimony deposits. | Germany's and Europe's position in the supply chain faces challenges. | This article analyzes the background, risks, and possible counter-strategies. [...]
Cheap $500 drones from Ukraine are changing the landscape of warfare and challenging expensive US high-tech systems. | Their recipe for success: scale, flexibility, and easy maintenance instead of expensive, individual technologies. | | Small, cheap, and effective—these drones achieve success through networking and simple tactics. | High-tech missiles and air defense systems are losing their effectiveness against countless low-cost targets. | The analysis shows how pragmatic solutions can generate asymmetric advantages. | Economic efficiency makes the difference: low unit costs versus expensive countermeasures. | | Operational data and field reports demonstrate the surprising robustness of the systems. | For defenders and manufacturers, this raises urgent questions about strategy and adaptation. | The lesson: Innovation must be scalable and affordable, not just technically superior. | A must-read for decision-makers and technology enthusiasts who want to understand how quantity can beat quality. [...]
| | | Germany and Ukraine are evolving from crisis relief partners to strategic economic partners. | Close cooperation strengthens stability, investment security, and political collaboration. | Joint development projects and reconstruction programs create sales markets and jobs. | German companies are investing in infrastructure, production, and service partnerships. | Energy cooperation and diversified supply chains increase Europe's security of supply. | Expansion of trade and logistics promotes integration into European markets. | Technology, innovation, and digital projects accelerate economic growth. | Economic interdependence contributes to long-term security and peace prospects. | Partnership potential offers economies of scale, know-how transfer, and sustainable development. | Strategic alliances between Germany and Ukraine are shaping Europe's economic future. [...]
The Bundeswehr procurement process is seen as one of the biggest obstacles to modernization and operational readiness. | | Complex bureaucracy and lengthy procurement procedures delay urgently needed equipment. | Delays lead to cost increases and risks to national security. | Non-transparent cost estimates and subsequent contracts burden the national budget. | Interface problems between ministries, industry, and the armed forces make clear decisions difficult. | Security requirements and export regulations further complicate procurement. | Innovation suffers when start-ups and agile providers are excluded from the process. | | More efficient processes, standardization, and stronger project management are urgently needed. | Greater transparency, accountability, and parliamentary oversight could alleviate this dilemma. | Only through reforms can the Bundeswehr be modernized promptly and cost-effectively. [...]
The invisible bottleneck of the defense industry is revealed in its supply chains. | | An analysis shows how components, suppliers, and logistics shape defense capabilities. | | Disruptions in complex networks can have a lasting impact on strategic capabilities. | Transport bottlenecks and global dependencies are key security risks. | Local production, diversification, and resilience are key strategies for the future. | Technology and information security determine the availability of critical components. | Political and economic factors influence supply chains at the international level. | Investments in transparency and digital tracking strengthen planning and response. | Cooperation between government, industry, and partners increases strategic stability. [...]
| The European Defence Industry Programme aims to strengthen Europe's defence industry and promote strategic autonomy. | | Critics ask whether this is a late course correction or just expensive symbolic politics. | Large sums are intended to finance innovation and production capacities, but its effectiveness is disputed. | The funding could promote industrial cooperation, but also create distortions of competition. | Transparency, control mechanisms, and clear success indicators are often missing from the discussions. | Political frameworks and national interests are crucial to success. | The programme offers opportunities for technology development and security of supply if implemented efficiently. | | Risks such as bureaucracy, additional costs, and inefficient procurement threaten the added value for taxpayers. | In the long term, the programme can strengthen Europe—provided evidence of performance is provided. [...]
| Scalable warehousing solutions for the defense industry. | Our logistics optimizes secure storage and rapid distribution. | Modular warehousing concepts enable flexible expansion as needed. | The highest security standards protect sensitive equipment and materials. | | Modern inventory management ensures transparency and operational readiness. | Scalability reduces costs and increases efficiency in the procurement cycle. | We work closely with military and government agencies. | Customized solutions are based on tactical requirements. | | Fast response times ensure supply in critical situations. | Learn more at Xpert.Digital for customized defense logistics. [...]
The BraveTech EU initiative examines strategies for strengthening European infrastructure in the context of dual-use logistics. | It analyzes the legal, technical, and security policy implications of cross-border supply chains. | | The focus is on technology development, risk management, and regulatory harmonization. | The goal is more resilient, interoperable logistics for civil and defense-related applications. | The study assesses investment needs, innovation potential, and scaling opportunities. | | Particular attention is paid to export controls, transparency obligations, and dual-use risks. | Collaborations between industry, research, and regulatory authorities are identified as key. | Recommendations include security standards, monitoring systems, and data-based decision-making processes. | The analysis provides practical measures for policymakers, companies, and logistics operators. | Overall, the study shows ways in which Europe can become more technologically sovereign and, at the same time, more secure. [...]
| Ukraine is emerging as a defense tech superpower, uniting military innovations. | The country is considered the Silicon Valley of the military and defense industry. | Startups and established companies are driving research and development for modern weapons systems. | International cooperation and exports are strengthening the global presence of Ukrainian solutions. | | Drone, cyber, and AI technologies are shaping the technological leadership. | Scalable production combines high-tech with industrial efficiency. | Investors and specialists are finding a dynamic ecosystem for defense tech. | Research, prototyping, and rapid iteration are accelerating market launches. | The defense tech superpower is setting new standards in security and resilience. | xpert.digital reports on trends, opportunities, and developments from the heart of this transformation. [...]
| Bundeswehr orders 600 Skyrangers, strengthening air defense. | Comprehensive analysis presents technical data, capabilities, and operational scenarios. | | Focus on range, response time, and integration capability into existing systems. | Comparison with alternatives and evaluation of the cost-benefit ratio. | | Security aspects, protection of troops and critical infrastructure are considered. | Interoperability with NATO systems and logistical requirements are examined. | Innovation potential through sensor fusion and modern rocket propulsion. | Operational strategies, training requirements, and maintenance concepts are discussed in a practical manner. | Political and strategic implications for defense planning are analyzed. | Conclusion with recommendations for procurement, integration, and long-term modernization. [...]
China's germanium embargo triggers a 165% price explosion, alarming German industry. | | Supply chains are collapsing, causing bottlenecks in key sectors such as electronics and fiber optics. | | Dependence on Chinese exports reveals strategic vulnerabilities in raw material supplies. | Manufacturers are seeing rising production costs and potential relocations of production capacity. | Consumers and companies are feeling the effects of rising prices and declining margins due to the shortage. | Germanium, as a key metal for semiconductors and optics, makes the situation particularly critical. | | Recycling, material substitution, and innovation are becoming key levers to combat the supply crisis. | Political measures and international cooperation are necessary to reduce dependencies. | Companies should immediately review supply chains, seek alternative suppliers, and develop strategies. | More background information, analyses, and recommendations for action can be found on Xpert.Digital. [...]
Kaliningrad is militarily strategically important for Russia and serves as a key outpost position. | | Politically, the exclave is sensitive, as it exacerbates international tensions and diplomatic challenges. | Militarily valuable because troops, bases, and weapons systems are concentrated there. | Economically, the region is fragile and dependent on political decisions and trade routes. | | Geographical isolation makes infrastructure and supply lines particularly vulnerable. | Socially, the population is vulnerable to demographic and economic pressures. | The potential for conflict remains high, as strategic interests and local needs often collide. | International relations and sanctions have a lasting impact on the economic outlook. | | Domestically, Kaliningrad can pose domestic and foreign policy risks for Moscow. | Sustainable stabilization requires careful consideration of military, political, and economic measures. [...]
Bavaria's defense and dual-use ecosystem connects high-tech startups with traditional industry. | Helsing, ARX Robotics & Co. develop robotics and automation solutions for civil and military applications. | | The technologies range from drone and satellite components to sensor-based reconnaissance. | | Security, robustness, and compliance are the focus to responsibly serve dual-use scenarios. | Startups drive innovation and accelerate the transfer of research into market-ready products. | Investors and SMEs recognize the growth potential in the state of Bavaria. | European collaborations strengthen competitiveness and technological sovereignty. | Challenges such as regulation, ethics, and export controls shape development paths. | Research, talent, and funding programs form the backbone of the emerging ecosystem. [...]
| The German government opposes the controversial EU chat control and uses its veto to stop surveillance. | | Critics warn of mass spying on private messages and legal problems in the EU. | | | | The planned measures would have required providers to automatically scan messages. | | Germany's veto reflects political pressure and concern for fundamental rights in member states. | Experts analyze how technical filters increase error rates and data protection risks. | The timeline for negotiations and possible compromises remains uncertain. | Affected users and civil rights organizations are demanding transparent alternatives. | Legal, technical, and political hurdles make rapid implementation difficult. [...]
