The shift in defense policy opens up new perspectives for the Saarland economy.
In order to specifically tap into these potentials and further expand the networking between companies, the Bundeswehr, research, and administration, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, together with the Saarland Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Saar Economic Development Corporation (gwSaar), is hosting the 2nd Round Table on Defense – Defense Economy Hub Saarland tomorrow, Thursday.
Approximately 130 participants are expected at the event at the Haus der Wirtschaftsförderung in Saarbrücken. Represented are companies from industry and the SME sector, the Bundeswehr, chambers, funding institutions, as well as representatives from politics and administration.
The security and defense policy turning point has long since become an industrial policy future issue as well. Saarland has a strong industrial SME sector, highly qualified specialists, and innovative technologies. We aim to specifically combine these strengths with the demands of the security and defense industry and open up new growth opportunities for our companies.
Dr. Frank Thomé, Chief Executive Officer of the IHK Saarland: "The Saarland is not a bystander in this turning point. If we succeed in consistently bundling our strengths, we will not only make an important contribution to Germany's security and defense capabilities but also strengthen our own economic location with additional value creation and new perspectives."
The second roundtable builds on the great response to the kick-off event last year. At the request of many companies, the exchange is now being continued in a permanent format. With the Defense Economy Hub Saarland, a new platform is being created for networking, cooperation, and technology transfer between business, research, the German Armed Forces, and the public sector.
A focal point of the event is the presentation of the new Defense & Security coordination office at gwSaar.
Thomas Schuck, Managing Director of gwSaar: "The Defense & Security Coordination Office has already begun its work as a central contact point for companies seeking to enter the security and defense industry or looking to expand their activities in this sector. The Coordination Office supports networking, funding issues, and guidance on the regulatory requirements of the industry, including the establishment or expansion of companies."
Impulses from practice, administration, and industry are provided by Nadja Ohl from the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw), Dr. Robert Weihofen from Rheinmetall, and Dietrich Boß from PwC Germany. They will discuss the Bundeswehr as a client, the entry into the defense industry, as well as the requirements for companies along the value chains of the sector.
Accompanying the event, funding and advisory institutions provide information at several support tables about specific assistance programs. The goal is to facilitate access to new markets and business fields, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
