In a significant stride towards fostering international collaborations and advancing defense initiatives, the ISSP UL’s Materize team, led by Olga Bogdanova, visited the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense on December 18. The visit aimed to engage in discussions with the Ministry representative and explore avenues for future partnerships.
The meeting commenced with a focused dialogue on enhancing communication channels and establishing collaborative frameworks between Materize and key private defense industry companies in Austria. The discussions aimed to align strategies, leverage collective strengths, and propel mutual advancement in defense initiatives. The Materize team and the Ministry representative found common ground, emphasizing shared objectives and recognizing the potential for synergy in future endeavors.
The foundation for potential collaborations was solidified during this session, laying the groundwork for fruitful engagements in the coming years. Emphasis was placed on the need for a unified approach to address industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities for innovation and growth.
The following day, on December 19, workshops were conducted, delving into ongoing defense projects and urgent industry needs. These sessions provided a practical understanding of current defense initiatives, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape. Materize gained a comprehensive understanding of pressing industry requirements, setting the stage for aligning strategies with emerging trends.
During discussions, it was acknowledged that planning for defense industry calls was premature due to the impending deadlines for 2023 calls in late December. Nevertheless, the Materize team and the Ministry representative explored potential European Defense Funds (EDF) calls for the upcoming year, utilizing resources available on the official European Commission portal.
Confidentiality constraints prevent the disclosure of specific details. However, both parties expressed a commitment to maintaining proactive communication and advancing collaborative projects. This commitment ensures ongoing progress, underscoring Materize’s dedication to nurturing productive partnerships in the future.
As Materize looks forward to the possibilities that lie ahead, this visit to the Austrian Federal Ministry marks an important step in building bridges for cross-border collaboration and strengthening the foundation for innovative defense solutions.
