Project time period
2025–2026
Lead
GCE Blue Maritime Cluster
Total Budget
550.000 NOK
Funding
Innovation Norway
Increasing SME Participation in Defence-Oriented R&D
The project aims to identify and develop the conditions for more small and medium-sized maritime companies to participate in national and European research-based defence projects – including European Defence Fund (EDF) initiatives – by leveraging existing commercial technologies with dual-use potential.
The study will create a knowledge base to help maritime SMEs accelerate their dual-use processes and stimulate increased research and development towards the defence and security segment.
The project will:
Identify how maritime SMEs can strengthen their position in the defence and preparedness market through greater use of dual-use solutions based on existing commercial technology.
Map the dual-use potential within the maritime cluster – both nationally and internationally – and identify barriers to entry, including those related to EDF applications.
Foster collaboration across the maritime value chain and map the processes and contact points towards defence stakeholders such as the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), government bodies, and international defence R&D organisations.
Expected outcomes include stronger SME capabilities, better access to networks and funding opportunities, and increased participation in both national and European defence projects
