Strategic Publications on Dual Use to Inform Future EU R&I Policies

The European Commission has released two independent expert reports focusing on dual-use research and innovation (R&I). These reports aim to enhance understanding of technologies with both civilian and defence applications. By shedding light on the complexities and opportunities associated with dual-use technologies, the publications are intended to inform policy discussions and support evidence-based decision-making in shaping the next generation of EU funding programmes.

The first of the two publications is a Policy Brief “Making the Most of EU Research and Innovation Investments: Rethinking Dual Use”, prepared by the Expert Group on the Economic and Societal Impact of Research and Innovation (ESIR). The brief highlights the strategic importance of dual-use R&I funding as a means to enhance security, strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and sustainability within the EU. It advocates for the adoption of a "dual-use by design" approach—meaning that technologies should be intentionally developed with both civilian and defence applications in mind from the outset.

The second report, titled “Unlocking the Potential of Dual-Use Research and Innovation”, is authored by individual experts from both the civilian and defence R&I communities. It presents practical case studies and concrete examples demonstrating how dual-use research and innovation can be effectively implemented. The report explores the opportunities and challenges of civil-defence synergies, offering insights into how dual-use R&I is approached by research-performing organisations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and scale-ups. It also showcases international benchmarks, highlighting national policies, strategies, and funding programmes that support dual-use innovation.

Together, the two publications offer a complementary perspective: the first focuses on the policy and strategic implications of dual-use R&I, while the second provides practical and technical evidence, shedding light on implementation in real-world settings.