The new geopolitical context places security, in its larger sense, at its core. The new dynamics of the trans-Atlantic and indeed international relations forces Europe to reconsider not only its security architecture but also the Union’s commitment to its own defense, to the development of the relevant industry and innovation base that can fully provide for the security of the continent. Determination to find the best industrial and financial solutions is catalyzed by the new geopolitical context, and search for the best strategic approach within both NATO and the EU doubles the discussion of practical steps and measures to ensure the soundest security of trans-Atlantic space in general and of Europe in particular. 

Over the past months, both the EU and NATO have adapted measures meant to address challenges to trans-Atlantic and European defense, focusing on reducing obstacles to the development of defense sector. NATO’s efforts to adapt to the technological advancements have led to the Alliance’s Industrial Capacity Expansion Pledge, placing the focus on adoption of new technologies, multinational procurement and protection of defense-critical supply chains. The EU took more concrete steps in both setting the framework for its security as well as in identifying the best tools to incentivize and fund its defense sector. European Commission launched its EURO 150 billion loan instrument, SAFE, to help countries invest in key defence areas like missile defence, drones and cyber security, and adopted ReArm/Readiness 2030 outlining the objectives as well as means to  close the critical capability gaps, ultimately leading to a strong and innovative defence industry in Europe. The continent’s security will not be complete without continuing to involve NATO partners, in a joint effort to rebuild defense capacities and increase Europe’s credible deterrence.

The strategic discussion needs to continue, not only to address the trans_Atlantic potential fall out, but also to decide on the geographical definition of European defense, namely inclusion of non-EU members in the arming effort. UK-EU security pact, with security understood in all of its multiple facets, paves the way for a comprehensive cooperation not only on defense industry. Inclusion of Norway in the conversation of European security is another strategic issue, along with the question of a cooperative and constructive relation with Turkey. Strategic issues have to be discussed in conjunction with identification of the right mechanisms to pursue the strategy further. The conversation on funding European defense takes these strategic questions into consideration, looking for ways to increase defense spending across Europe and deliver it more efficiently and effectively. In enhancing the capacity of Europe’s defence industrial base an important role is placed on facilitating greater government spendings, mobilize private capital to support defense investment, also acknowledging the importance and role SMEs play in the industry.     

Romania is affected by both the general strategic evolution and by the vulnerabilities of its defense and dual-use industry, yet is taking bold steps to adapt to rapidly changing realities. The search for solutions to an efficient European defense industry offers Romania the chance to refresh its policies, to promote its interests and connect to and integrate its objectives in the larger, international quest for security.       

In the past few years Romania has been seeking to expand its defense industry through development of local companies and collaborations with Western defense firms. While a major breakthrough is still to materialize, local efforts to (re)build the industry and, equally important, to integrate new technologies in modern products are not to be discounted. Vigorous and concrete policies aligned with the new challenges are imperative to accelerate developments and build a serious momentum. 

A Security, Defense Industry and Innovation Base program is launched by Aspen Institute Romania (AIR), seeking to assist the creation of these policies through a consistent dialogue between officials and the industry. It further seeks to promote their implementation by connecting internal reflection to the European search for strategic and practical solutions, and by building bridges and fostering connections that alleviate the problems and promote sounder solutions. 

Based on the Aspen Method, AIR programs offer public decision makers, private stakeholders and representatives of the non-governmental and academic sectors an exceptional platform for reflection, aiming to reach the most efficient and adapted, concrete policy recommendations in Romania’s most relevant policy fields. By engaging with public decision makers from the start of the reflection process, in an informal yet informed dialogue, mutual ownership of the resulting policy recommendations is fostered.

Focus & Objectives of the Program

The Security, Defense Industry and Innovation Base program aims at (1) shaping adapted policies and actions based on the creative synergy between the relevant stakeholders in the national security and defense communities, (2) connecting the Romanian strategic and practical dialog to the larger, European and international intellectual and practical reflections and actions and (3) anticipating the transformations in the realm of defense and strengthening governance, leadership and policy formulation.

It also seeks to encourage technology transfers and the diffusion of dual-use solutions for the defense industry and the national economy of Romania, providing valuable insights to decision makers through a non-biased, multidisciplinary support platform that extends throughout Europe and beyond. 

In detail, the program will aim at achieving the following operational objectives:

  • To act as a dialogue platform among the political and public officials, internal economic stakeholders and representatives of international industry in order to foster a better innovation and industrial base for defense purposes
  • To constitute an open and reliable dialogue platform with the domestic and international public opinion in order to promote a better understanding of security challenges and proposed strategies
  • To offer a specialized program of training for leaders in the public, private and security sectors, including the usage of the global Aspen network of fellows and alumni.
  • To assist public officials in defining and understanding the current large specter of security risks and challenges and in finding solutions that are to be reflected in new security and defense strategies as well as in subsequent strategies and plans;

Format of the Security, Defense Industry and Innovation Base program:

  • A dedicated Program Community comprising multiple key stakeholders from the public and private sectors;
  • A dedicated Program Task Force, focusing on identifying the program’s priorities;
  • Thematic workshops, roundtables and closed-door conversations for the program community, on the major topics identified, leading to policy proposals and practical recommendations;
  • Intellectual products providing support to policy recommendations on national security and defense priorities;
  • Elevation of relevant recommendations, issues and practical solutions to an international audience at the annual Aspen – GMF Bucharest Forum. The Forum hosts dedicated panels where the main policy recommendations are presented in a prominent public setting. Aspen – GMF Bucharest Forum is a key platform for high-level discussions on global strategic challenges, bringing together selected and relevant decision-makers, experts, and leaders from various sectors throughout the world.
  • A dedicated Leadership Seminar / Retreat for the program community, providing participants with insights into contemporary challenges faced by leaders in the security and defense sectors.
  • A dedicated Security and Defense Study tour for foreign officials and business to allow for a better understanding of Romania’s security challenges and industrial potential.