Business Innovator - Xpert.Digital - Konrad Wolfenstein

Available in 27 languages 📢

⭐️ Hub for Security and Defense

: The Security and Defense Hub of the SME Connect Working Group Defence on Xpert.Digital

SME Connect is one of the largest European networks and communication platforms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2017, SME Connect is a non-partisan organization that advocates for the interests of SMEs at the EU level, bringing together SMEs, their supporters, and relevant stakeholders such as associations, think tanks, and universities committed to SME-friendly policies.

The network aims to maximize the impact and visibility of SMEs in European politics. It serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, positions, information, and knowledge about the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in Europe. SME Connect supports the development of constructive partnerships to find common ground or at least to facilitate an honest exchange of interests.

The SME Connect Defence Working Group – Strengthening SMEs in European Defence

Innovative SMEs are an essential part of the EU defence industry. However, they face numerous obstacles to participating in defence procurement, particularly across borders. Furthermore, the global dynamics are evolving rapidly, necessitating a European response to intensified global competition. This has underscored the need to improve existing structures and processes while simultaneously implementing new ones.

The goal of this working group is to unite SMEs and relevant stakeholders to form a consortium of entrepreneurs representing the defense sector and military suppliers. Leveraging our expertise in products, services, and markets, we aim to improve the regulatory environment within the European Union. B2B interactions are equally important to us. By joining forces, we facilitate market access and streamline financing initiatives. Together, we strive to serve as the primary resource for SMEs 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

LinkedIn

▶️ Drones against drones – Kyiv's cost-effective war revolution as a global export hit
| Ukraine has developed a cost-effective defense strategy that stops cheap, disposable drones with affordable FPV interceptor drones. | What began as an improvised emergency solution has evolved into a state-of-the-art drone defense ecosystem. | Instead of expensive missiles, Kyiv relies on affordable solutions that radically alter the cost-benefit ratio. | Thousands of cheap drones can be intercepted monthly without exceeding defense budgets. | The technology is attracting global interest, transforming Ukraine from an arms recipient to an exporter. | | Middle Eastern states are now also purchasing Ukrainian drones and defense systems. | | Mass production and simple design enable rapid scaling and continuous development. | This revolution demonstrates how asymmetric, low-cost technology is changing warfare and market flows. | For xpert.digital, it's a prime example of how innovation can gain global significance from crisis. | The story combines technology, economics, and geopolitics into a new model of modern defense. [...]

▶️ Read more here

▶️ People's Republic of Narva: Kindergarten or war preparation? A flag, a coat of arms, and a frighteningly familiar script
What's behind the fictional "People's Republic of Narva" in Estonia? Flags and emblems are suddenly appearing on social media. | The scenario is eerily reminiscent of the events of 2014 in Crimea and Donbas. | Experts see it as a deliberate hybrid destabilization strategy by Russia. | | Moscow is testing the resilience of a NATO and EU member state. | | | | Narva, a city with a predominantly Russian-speaking population, was chosen. | | Memes are being used here as a geopolitical weapon in an information war. | | Is this just harmless childishness or serious preparation for war? | | | It's a perfidious game of strategic ambiguity that threatens Europe's security. | | Find out why this shocking scenario in the Baltics requires the highest level of alert. | [...]

▶️ Read more here
▶️ Four years of war and no end in sight: Analysis of the Russia-Ukraine front – Between territorial gains and propaganda battle
Four years of war and no end in sight: Our analysis sheds light on the front in Ukraine. | Learn why Ukraine is suddenly and surprisingly regaining ground and what strategy lies behind it. | | | We delve deep into the propaganda battle where fact is hard to separate from fiction. | Discover what's really behind the ominous "Estonia scenario" and the fear of a NATO attack. | Military experts warn of a grim worst-case scenario and a gradual erosion of the conflict. | Is Russia on the verge of collapse, or is Europe facing a strategic catastrophe? | Russia's escalating arms production poses new challenges for the West. | This conflict is a dramatic race against time for all of Europe. | Understand the complexity and potential futures of this war. | Read our in-depth analysis of the current situation and expert forecasts now. | [...]

▶️ Read more here

▶️ The Pentagon and Anduri – Augmented Reality in War: How this new headset is turning US soldiers into “techno-magicians”
| The US Department of Defense is investing heavily in the future of warfare. | A $20 billion contract has been signed with the tech company Anduril Industries. | | The company was founded by a former Facebook employee with a visionary idea for the battlefield. | At its core is a new augmented reality headset designed to revolutionize soldiers' perception. | US soldiers are to become "techno-magicians" with superhuman abilities. | The battlefield is transformed into a kind of video game, networked through state-of-the-art technology. | Artificial intelligence, autonomous drones, and AR glasses work together to create a decisive information advantage. | This technology has the potential to change warfare forever. | At the same time, the increasing automation in warfare raises important ethical questions. | Learn more about this secret project and its far-reaching consequences. [...]

▶️ Read more here
▶️ Dual logistics and resilience: The strategic merging of civilian and military supply chains for Europe's security
The war in Ukraine has brutally exposed the crucial role of military logistics for Europe's security. | | NATO is analyzing Russia's fatal logistical errors to strengthen its own defense capabilities. | Discover the concept of "dual logistics," which aims to strategically merge civilian and military supply chains. | | The goal is to increase the continent's resilience through a radically new defense doctrine. | Learn why Europe is experiencing a reality shock and must fundamentally rethink its logistics strategy. | | The consistent dual use of civilian transport routes and resources is becoming a new priority for collective defense. | | However, dilapidated bridges and tight budgets, especially in Germany, pose enormous challenges to implementation. | The inadequate protection of critical transport infrastructure is identified as one of the biggest vulnerabilities. | The analysis of the seven dimensions of the new defense doctrine reveals the urgent need for action by policymakers and the military. | Read how the strategic merging of supply chains is intended to guarantee Europe's security in the future. [...]

▶️ Learn more here

▶️ EU military logistics: The bitter lesson from Ukraine – Why Europe's security depends on roads and railways
| Europe's security hangs by a thread, and the lessons from Ukraine are bitter. | Intelligence agencies are issuing urgent warnings, as the window of opportunity for countermeasures against threats is rapidly shrinking. The Achilles' heel is not the front line, but the crumbling infrastructure in the hinterland. | Broken bridges, missing railway lines, and congested roads are becoming the greatest danger to the EU. | Absurdly long bureaucratic hurdles are halting tank transports and troop movements for days. | This red tape is paralyzing defense capabilities and proving to be a strategic weakness. | | The real front line runs on our highways, at civilian traffic hubs, and in government offices. | Military experts warn that Europe must be ready to defend itself by 2029 to prevent a logistical fiasco. | An unprecedented, multi-billion-euro action plan is now intended to turn the tide and secure the mobility of the armed forces. [...]

▶️ Read more here
▶️ No more TikTok from the barracks – Why the German Armed Forces are keeping their influencers on a short leash
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has issued a sweeping ban on filming and photography. For Bundeswehr soldiers, this means the end of videos and photos from military installations. | No more funny TikTok videos from the barracks or training grounds. | The official justification is the significantly worsened security situation. | A growing threat of espionage from Russia and China is cited as the main reason. | This marks the end of the Bundeswehr influencers, who were considered a modern way to recruit new personnel. | However, this radical change of course carries the risk of losing touch with the younger generation. | Meanwhile, the Bundeswehr is desperately seeking tens of thousands of new recruits. | | | Security now clearly takes precedence, even if modern recruitment methods suffer as a result. | | Learn all the background information on this drastic decision and its consequences here. | [...]

▶️ Read more here

▶️ Red alert: The Iran war exposes the West's biggest arms disaster – interceptor missiles exhausted
| A defense contractor is sounding the alarm: Europe's fuel reserves would only last a shocking three months in the event of a national emergency. | Rheinmetall is thus uncovering a massive security gap that could cripple critical infrastructure. | The war in Ukraine has made the high vulnerability of major central refineries painfully obvious. | As a solution, the company is calling for the development of decentralized energy islands. | | The focus should be increasingly on photovoltaics and wind power. | Supplemented by the production of e-fuels, this can reduce dependence on fossil fuels. | | According to Rheinmetall, the energy transition has suddenly become vital for defense capabilities. | | The company is therefore not primarily focusing on renewable energies for climate protection reasons. | | Rather, it's about a new European security architecture in the energy sector. | This new perspective shows why the German Armed Forces urgently need an independent energy supply. [...]

▶️ Read more here
▶️ Energy crisis 2.0? US-Israel-Iran war triggers natural gas price shock: sharpest price jump since the Ukraine war
A new energy crisis 2.0 threatens the global economy following a military strike against Iran. The subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered a massive price shock. | This is the sharpest price increase for natural gas since the start of the war in Ukraine. | Europe, in particular, is caught in a dangerous trap. | | Gas storage facilities are at historically low levels, in some cases below 20 percent. | The global struggle for scarce liquefied natural gas (LNG) is now escalating. | Experts warn of an impending price explosion in the energy markets. | This could trigger a new wave of inflation and severely impact the economy. | Learn all the background information on the escalating crisis here. | | Read the details now and find out what's coming! | [...]

▶️ Read more here

▶️ Job crisis at Bosch, ZF & Co.: Is the arms business the last great way out for medium-sized businesses?
The German automotive supplier industry, the backbone of the Mittelstand (SMEs), is in deep crisis. | Corporations like Bosch and ZF are suffering from the shift to electromobility and fierce competition. | Is the booming arms business the last major way out of the crisis? | A historic structural transformation is underway, with suppliers quietly switching to defense. | Instead of injection pumps, high-precision components for tanks, drones, and frigates are now being manufactured. | This transformation is driven by the Bundeswehr's multi-billion-euro spending spree and significantly higher profit margins. | This secret plan not only secures the survival of many companies but is transforming the entire industry. | From engine block to ammunition box – an unprecedented shift is securing the future of Germany as a business location. | German SMEs are repositioning themselves in the global competition between the automotive and defense industries. | Discover how Germany's industrial heart is beginning to beat anew in one of the biggest structural transformations in decades. [...]

▶️ Learn more here
▶️ DefTech boom in Germany: The radical master plan for Germany's defense capabilities – from taboo to billion-dollar magnet
Experience the rapid rise of Germany's DefTech sector, which has transformed from a taboo to a multi-billion-euro magnet. | A radical master plan aims to revolutionize Germany's defense capabilities and secure digital sovereignty. | To this end, one billion euros are being specifically invested in groundbreaking innovations such as AI and autonomous systems. | This boom is attracting massive venture capital investments and fostering a new generation of technology startups. | Germany is already producing successful "unicorns" like Helsing and Quantum Systems, which are making waves internationally. | | Tech hubs like Munich, in particular, are developing into epicenters of the new defense industry. | | The geopolitical situation and new security realities are significantly fueling this transformation of the sector. | Young companies are focusing on networked sensors and advanced drone technology. | Learn why Germany's DefTech industry is becoming a central pillar of European security. | | Discover why Europe's tech founders now prefer to stay in Germany rather than migrate to the USA. [...]

▶️ Learn more here

▶️ Fuel reserves only 3 months: Defense contractor uncovers massive security gap – Decentralized energy islands instead of large refineries demanded
| A defense contractor is sounding the alarm: Europe's fuel reserves would only last a shocking three months in the event of a national emergency. | Rheinmetall is thus uncovering a massive security gap that could cripple critical infrastructure. | The war in Ukraine has made the high vulnerability of major central refineries painfully obvious. | As a solution, the company is calling for the development of decentralized energy islands. | | The focus should be increasingly on photovoltaics and wind power. | Supplemented by the production of e-fuels, this can reduce dependence on fossil fuels. | | According to Rheinmetall, the energy transition has suddenly become vital for defense capabilities. | | The company is therefore not primarily focusing on renewable energies for climate protection reasons. | | Rather, it's about a new European security architecture in the energy sector. | This new perspective shows why the German Armed Forces urgently need an independent energy supply. [...]

▶️ Read more here
▶️ Poland closes Rzeszów and Lublin airports after Russian missile attack on Ukraine: NATO alert, airspace security and consequences
Poland closed the strategically important airports of Rzeszów and Lublin on February 17, 2026. | | The measure was a direct response to a massive Russian missile attack on neighboring Ukraine. | The Polish air traffic control agency PANSA was forced to temporarily suspend civilian flight operations. | Meanwhile, a nationwide air alert was in effect in Ukraine. | | The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces activated all available military resources for security. | | Polish fighter jets were given full freedom of action to monitor the airspace. | | The authorities ensured the so-called "disengagement" of the airspace to guarantee maximum security. | | No direct violation of Polish airspace was reported. | The incident highlights the fragile reality and heightened state of alert on NATO's eastern flank. | Read all the details about the background and consequences of this serious development. [...]

▶️ Read more here

▶️ Event by EPP SME Defence and SME Europe with Riho Terras on the topic of “The future of European defence and SMEs”
| Learn all about the groundbreaking event from EPP SME Defence and SME Europe. | | The event focused on the highly topical theme of "The Future of European Defence and SMEs." | Renowned expert Riho Terras shared his valuable insights and analyses as the keynote speaker. | | Discussions centered on strategically strengthening European defence capabilities in a changing world. | A particular focus was placed on the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the supply chain. | Discover the innovative contributions SMEs can make to Europe's security and technological sovereignty. | The event fostered vital dialogue between policymakers, military experts, and the business community. | Future challenges and enormous opportunities for the European defence industry were discussed in detail. | Learn about the latest developments and policy initiatives at the EU level to strengthen SMEs. | Read our comprehensive summary to understand the key takeaways and conclusions of the event. [...]

▶️ Learn more here
▶️ Just in time for the Munich Security Conference, the headline: Putin's 15,000 soldiers can beat NATO!
A shocking headline at the Munich Security Conference claims that 15,000 of Putin's soldiers could defeat NATO. | | This news caused great excitement and uncertainty just in time for the most important meeting of Western defense policymakers. | The claim is based on an exclusive war game staged by the newspapers BILD and Die WELT. | But is the world's most powerful military alliance really as defenseless as the headline suggests? | | Scratching the surface reveals massive contradictions and a deliberate message. | We uncover what the reporting on the true results of the NATO war simulation deliberately conceals. | | The war game did not primarily reveal military deficiencies or a shortage of tanks. | | Rather, the true, but concealed, result was a problem of political decision-making and unity. | Learn how a simulation was instrumentalized for an alarmist political agenda. | Discover the whole truth behind the scenes and the misleading headline. [...]

▶️ Read more here

▶️ High-speed rail lines and rail freight: Germany and France compared
Germany and France pursue completely different philosophies regarding rail expansion and face major challenges. | We analyze why Germany's integrated network for passenger and freight transport often reaches its limits. | | France successfully relies on dedicated high-speed lines (LGV) that enable fast and efficient connections. | At speeds of up to 320 km/h, French trains are significantly faster, which considerably reduces travel times. | | In contrast, the German "everything-on-one-track" principle frequently leads to delays and capacity bottlenecks. | Discover what Germany needs to learn from the French system to avoid network collapse. | | Learn why trains are increasingly beating airplanes as an alternative on routes like Paris-Frankfurt. | | Our system comparison reveals the fundamental differences and their respective impacts on rail transport. | France's approach ensures significantly more efficient utilization of the lines and more punctual trains. [...]

▶️ Read more here
▶️ How stable is Germany's supply chain? Why only dual-use logistics can protect Germany from crises and war
Learn how stable Germany's supply chain really is and why globalization makes the country vulnerable. The German economy is heavily dependent on imported intermediate goods and raw materials, which leads to problems in the event of global shocks. Our analysis reveals the structures and weaknesses of Germany's supply architecture. High trade openness and the concentration on a few supplier countries significantly increase vulnerability to disruptions in supply chains. The dependence on strategic imports, in particular, is a major vulnerability for economic security. Just-in-time supply chains also contribute to the system's sensitivity. Dual-use logistics could better protect Germany from crises and wars by strengthening its resilience. The goal must be to reduce dependence on individual regions and diversify supply chains. Understanding where Germany is truly vulnerable is crucial in order to take the right measures. Read why strengthening supply security is now a key issue for the future. [...]

▶️ Learn more here

▶️ “Dirty deal” or bitter reality? Weapons for Saudi Arabia? Are the critics of Merz’s Gulf strategy making it too easy for themselves?
Is Chancellor Merz's Gulf strategy a "dirty deal" or simply a bitter reality? | The debate surrounding arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia raises fundamental questions about German foreign policy. | Are critics oversimplifying the issue by ignoring the complex geopolitical constraints? | Germany is navigating the tension between idealistic, values-based politics and the harsh realities of the global economy. | In the face of energy shortages and fragile supply chains, cooperation with the Gulf states is becoming a strategic necessity. | German politics faces the dilemma of having to enter into partnerships with difficult actors in order to secure its own prosperity. | Realpolitik is increasingly replacing moral wishful thinking, as the interests of domestic industry are at stake. | Stable economic relations in the Gulf are crucial for Germany's resilience. | Nevertheless, criticism of human rights violations remains an important and appropriate part of the discourse. [...]

▶️ Read more here
▶️ Understanding the background, understanding the situations | Rail chaos and security of supply: Why the mixed traffic network is reaching its limits
The German rail network is severely overloaded and on the verge of collapse | . ICE trains, regional trains, and freight trains have to share the same tracks in the "mixed traffic system" | . This system has reached its tipping point, jeopardizing the security of supply | | . The cause is increased traffic volume coupled with the dismantling of the rail network | . Daily delays are therefore more than just bad luck; they are a structural problem | | . Learn why the "70 percent trap" makes punctuality almost impossible | . The overloaded network threatens the stability of vital supply chains and the supply of goods | . Even a small bottleneck can trigger far-reaching chain reactions | . This has serious security implications for the entire country | | . Understand the background of the rail chaos and the risks to our supply | . [...]

▶️ Learn more here

▶️ Innovation Centre of the German Armed Forces (InnoZBw): New paths for faster military technology development
Discover how the Bundeswehr Innovation Center (InnoZBw) is revolutionizing military technology development and setting new standards. | | In a rapidly changing threat landscape, accelerating innovation processes is crucial for security. | | InnoZBw is breaking new ground to make future-oriented technologies available to troops more quickly. | Learn about the strategic role innovation plays in Germany's modern defense capabilities and how it is promoted. | The center creates a dynamic bridge between the armed forces, academia, and innovative companies in the private sector. | Topics such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cybersecurity are key to ensuring technological superiority. | | | The primary goal is to provide soldiers with the best possible equipment in a timely manner and increase their operational readiness. | | This not only increases effectiveness in operations but also significantly improves the protection of deployed forces. | | This approach is a crucial step in making the Bundeswehr more agile, modern, and future-proof. Read all about the methods and successes of InnoZBw on the path to a technologically leading army. [...]

▶️ Learn more here

⭐️ Hub for Security and Defense

The SME Connect Defence Working Group – Strengthening SMEs in European Defence

CATEGORIES