Dual-Use Opportunities:
Unlocking Maritime Technology for the Defence Sector
Project time period — 2025 - 2025
Lead — GCE Blue Maritime Cluster
Total Budget — 550.000 NOK
Funding — Innovation Norway
Increasing SME Participation in Defence-Oriented R&D
The project aims to identify and develop the conditions for more small and medium-sized maritime companies to participate in national and European research-based defence projects – including European Defence Fund (EDF) initiatives – by leveraging existing commercial technologies with dual-use potential.
The study will create a knowledge base to help maritime SMEs accelerate their dual-use processes and stimulate increased research and development towards the defence and security segment.
The project will:
- Identify how maritime SMEs can strengthen their position in the defence and preparedness market through greater use of dual-use solutions based on existing commercial technology.
- Map the dual-use potential within the maritime cluster – both nationally and internationally – and identify barriers to entry, including those related to EDF applications.
- Foster collaboration across the maritime value chain and map the processes and contact points towards defence stakeholders such as the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), government bodies, and international defence R&D organisations.
Expected outcomes include stronger SME capabilities, better access to networks and funding opportunities, and increased participation in both national and European defence projects
