Side Event of the Munich Security Conference
Organised jointly by the Bavarian Industry Association (www.vbw-bayern.de) and the Federation of German Industry (www.bdi.de) with the Munich Security Conference (www.msc.de) and attended by German Australian Board Members, Eberhard Goihl and Robert Harrison, the event highlighted the importance of innovation in securing our futures given the current geopolitical shifts. The event cast a spotlight on the critical role of innovation in shaping military capabilities and ensuring national security.
Wolfram Hatz: Pioneering a Time of Change
Wolfram Hatz, President of the Bavarian Industry Association, highlighted the concept of a “time turn” or Zeitwende in German. He emphasized the need for proactive measures from the Federal Government and NATO partners, together with industry, to navigate this transformative period. Establishing a special funds or Sondervermögen in Germany to re-equip the armed forces was a necessary first step, but these resources will be depleted by 2028. There is a need to commit already to future funds, and he highlighted the importance of long-term sustainability and plannability in innovation initiatives.
Hatz further advocated accelerating procurement processes through initiatives like a “Beschaffungsoffensive” (procurement offensive) by the armed forces and enabling better credit access through the banking system and provision of venture capital.
Siegfried Russwurm: Bridging the Gap in Technological Advancement
Siegfried Russwurm from the Federation of German Industry echoed the call for innovation but emphasized that it comes at a cost beyond monetary terms. He underscored the indispensable contribution of technological advancements in bolstering defence capabilities, particularly in Germany, where there is a recognized need to catch up with global standards.
One crucial aspect addressed by Russwurm was the outdated approach to research and development, which had previously seen a clear demarcation between military and civilian research endeavours. He argued that this separation is no longer workable in a rapidly evolving landscape where crossover technologies abound.
Finally, Russwurm emphasized the importance of streamlining internal regulations like the Zentrale Dienstvorschriften (ZDV) to foster innovation and agility within the military framework – a call that was acknowledged by the following speaker.
General Carsten Breuer: Shaping a Resilient Defence Ecosystem
Carsten Breuer is the Generalinspekteur (Chief of Defence Staff) of the federal German armed forces He reinforced the notion of credible deterrence as a cornerstone of military strategy and also emphasized that the welfare and preparedness of soldiers should be at the forefront of defence planning. He urged, in his speech, policymakers to create conducive environments to support the armed forces.
Breuer also shed light on the broader geopolitical context, drawing attention to the resurgence of war economies, not only in conflict zones like Ukraine but also in global powerhouses like Russia. Against this backdrop, he asserted the need for the Bundeswehr to adapt and innovate to meet the challenges of the time.
Manfred Hader: Innovation in Space
Manfred Hader, from Roland Berger consulting, finished the keynotes by highlighting innovation in space and the need for Germany to catch up with the United States in support of its space ecosystem. He pointed out the need for public and private investment in research and innovation to enable Germany to close the gap in areas such as reconnaissance in space or the ability to place objects into space orbit.
Conclusion: Charting a Course for the Future
The event ended with a discussion about the ability to support young, innovative companies. Innovation lies at the heart of ensuring a secure and prosperous future, including in the realm of national and European defence. The speakers, like Wolfram Hartz, Siegfried Russwurm, and Carsten Breuer, offered invaluable insights into the strategies and principles that should underpin military innovation initiatives.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is imperative that like-minded nations like Germany and Australia heed their calls for proactive measures, technological advancement, and strategic foresight in safeguarding our nations and shaping a more secure tomorrow.
