Understanding Defence – a Business Perspective
The defence ecosystem is currently experiencing its most challenging period in modern history. Numerous ongoing conflicts have highlighted various shortcomings in defence capabilities while also presented numerous opportunities for advancements in military technologies, research, development, trade and industry collaboration. Understanding defence and the current situation requires the ability to perceive things from multiple perspectives and foresee the interests of different stakeholders. Defence is no longer a field only for defence specialists, but it is interfering into various other domains. More and more companies are trying to introduce their innovative solutions into defence or dual-use applications, yet they often lack the understanding of how to accomplish this. Additionally, governments, international organisations, and commercial entities are seeking individuals who understand the defence ecosystem and can add with defence expertise value to their teams.
This course aims to present the complexity of the defence world from a business perspective. It seeks to explain the relationship between military technologies and policymaking, and clarify international regulations for defence production and military/dual-use trade, with a specific emphasis on the EU and NATO regulatory frameworks. Participants will gain knowledge of the specifics of the defence business, including marketing, sales, market analysis, and support programs for research and development of military and dual-use technologies. They will also explore current challenges and anticipated future trends in defence technologies. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be equipped to create strategies for defence/dual-use products with a clear methodology and understanding of product/market specifics.
This course is tailored for professionals who:
- Are interested in the field of international security and seek to acquire knowledge not offered in any other university course worldwide.
- Work in defence (industry, government, EU/NATO/UN structures, academia) or defence-related fields (consultancy, law, finance, technology, business, marketing, sales etc.) and seek to expand their knowledge into the business aspect of defence.
- Are considering working in defence or defence-related fields and wish to comprehend the specifics of defence ecosystems.
- Work in business fields that are non-traditionally defence-oriented but believe their solutions could be applied to defence and seek guidance on potential next steps.
- Have established or plan to establish a business and want to understand how to go about their activities, attract investors, and tailor their products for success in the defence sector.
The course takes place online through a combination of video lectures, webinars, online Q&A sessions, study materials, and control tests with feedback. Throughout the course, there will also be live online meetings with experts from the field. Most of the course material is allowing applicants to study individually based on their own time availability. Two live online sessions (emphasised below) are obligatory to complete the course, other live online sessions with experts will be recorded and available to access later on.
The entire course is conducted in the English language.
The course starts on 13th May 2024 and ends on 23rd June 2024.
| Module 1
Obligatory live online session (13.5. 16:00 – 17:30 CET) |
Introduction – the relationship between defence technologies and policymaking |
| Module 2 | International regulations and legal obligations for the defence an dual-use business |
| Module 3 | New trends and support programmes for research and development of military and dual-use technologies |
| Module 4 | Marketing and sales in defence, specifics of different markets and various products |
| Module 5
Obligatory live online session (14.6. 16:00 – 17:30 CET) |
Current challenges and anticipated trends in the defence field |
| Module 6 | Preparing marketing and sales strategy for specific defence/dual-use technologies for a selected market |
Please, apply at the Integrated Study Information System (InSIS) via the Course on offer portal in the Admission procedure.
Gained Competencies
Understanding the interplay between defence technologies and policymaking.
Getting to know latest trends and support programs and available funding for the research and development of military and dual-use technologies.
Creating marketing and sales strategies customized for particular defence and dual-use technologies across a range of markets.
Gaining insight into the current challenges and upcoming trends in defence technologies.
Learning about the international regulations governing the production and trade of military and dual-use items.
Course lecturer
Dr. Kristýna Helm
Dr. Helm offers a complex perspective on the international defence ecosystem gained through years of professional experience in the defence sector. Her academic background equips her to understand and educate on the underlying factors driving the phenomena currently shaping international security relations. Serving as a National Focal Point for the European Defence Fund, Deputy Head of the Czech Delegation to the NATO Industry Advisory Group, and Board Member of the NATO Science & Technology Organization involves her actively in ongoing European and transatlantic initiatives. Regular engagements with representatives from governments and international organisations gives her invaluable insights into the possibilities and constraints of state support. Daily interactions with defence industry companies in her role as Vice President of the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic enable her to identify, understand and address their needs effectively. Having extensive experience as a university lecturer and public speaker, she excels in effectively transferring knowledge in an engaging and memorable way.
