The 2nd European Conference “Skills in the EU Defence Ecosystem”, co-organized by the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Material Association (SEKPY) and the European Commission, was concluded with great success.
The conference took place at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall over two days, November 26–27, 2024, under the auspices of the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) of the European Commission and within the framework of the European Network of Defence-Related Regions (ENDR).
The event focused on promoting collaborations among regional authorities, clusters, and organizations across Europe, aiming to enhance skills and innovation in the defence sector.
The agenda included roundtable discussions on workforce skill development in the defence industry, as well as dedicated sessions addressing challenges and proposing solutions to improve Small and Medium-sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) access to European funding.
Special emphasis was placed on bridging academia and industry through expert presentations and discussions. At the same time, the conference offered unique networking opportunities, connecting participants with leading executives, experts, and professionals in the field.
Participants included representatives from diverse sectors such as defence industries, research centers, academic and military institutions, centers of excellence, government agencies, and Armed Forces personnel.
Overall, the conference served as a forum for exchanging best practices and strategies aimed at increasing the competitiveness of human resources within the European defence ecosystem, offering valuable perspectives for the future of the industry we serve.
It is worth noting that the 3rd iteration of the Conference shall take place in Toulon, France, in April 2025.
Finally, it is highlighted that during the conference, SEKPY signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Hungarian counterpart, DIAH.
Press & Communication Office of SEKPY
