Research project B2/223/P3/BEPIDS (Research action B2)
The current geopolitical situation points to the importance of strategic autonomy of states, especially in defence and security. A strong European industrial and technological defence base is a sine qua non for this autonomy. At the national level, Belgium also needs a strong defence and security sector to protect its national security.
Starting from these observations, this study aims to contribute to the development of a strategy to support research in the Belgian defence and security sector and, indirectly, the Belgian economy and society. More specifically, the study has the three following research objectives:
1. Developing a clear definition of the Belgian defence and security sector, and providing a comprehensive overview of the Triple Helix actors (industry, research institutions, government), as well as their competitive structure and position at the international level.
2. The development of a comprehensive database with information on the different actors in the defence and security sector (relevant sector/niche, contribution to the Belgian economy and position at the international level).
3. The development of a policy toolbox to support the Belgian defence and security sector.
The overall objective of this research project is to provide a comprehensive overview of the different actors in the Belgian defence and security sector and its competitive structure. In doing so, it aims to obtain an overview of the instruments that Belgium can use to support its defence and security sector, and this in compliance with European public procurement and state aid rules. The project therefore aims to contribute to the development of a Belgian strategy to consolidate and/or obtain the strategic autonomy of the Belgian State. Based on an inventory of existing government support mechanisms and recent examples of government support in this sector (national and international), the study will provide both a guide for industry and research institutions and propose a policy toolbox for the government to strengthen support for the sector. A well-defined national research policy for the defence and security sector not only helps stimulate Research & Technology (R&T) and Research & Development (R&D), but also enables the identification of niches in which Belgium has competitive advantages. Ideally, the research results will give the Belgian state an insight into the position of Belgian industry on the international scene and provide it with tools to consolidate and improve its strategic autonomy.
The project starts from a multidisciplinary research approach, such as studying relevant regulations, cases and literature on the one hand, and interacting with various stakeholders through interviews and surveys on the other. As such, the study therefore includes both quantitative and qualitative research techniques, conducting quantitative and statistical research where possible, and complementing it with qualitative analysis when quantification is not possible or appropriate. This combination ensures that all relevant aspects of research are covered.
While none of the methods used in this study are in themselves new or highly innovative, the combination of them ensures that the project adds significant value to science. Indeed, with a comprehensive study of the research topic and by engaging in constant dialogue with relevant stakeholders, the project will lead to new insights and practically relevant results.
