The European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR) was launched in 2016 by the European Commission. Until the end of 2021, ENDR was funded by the COSME programme. From 2022 onwards, the ENDR is funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF).
ENDR has 3 objectives:
- Bringing regional organisations and clusters together to exchange best practices on how to develop defence-related development strategies, including the integration of defence industrial and research assets into smart specialisation strategies, and support defence-related SMEs;
- Facilitating the flow of information for funding opportunities (such as the European Defence Fund, and other EU structural and investment funds); and
- Promoting the development of regional clusters of excellence.
As of 31 January 2026, 105 entities from 23 Member States and Norway are members of the network.
Since its inception, DG DEFIS, together with ENDR members, have organised 27 conferences/workshops in the past 10 years on topics such as maritime security, drones, maintenance in defence domains, Healthcare and Medical Countermeasures, dual use, skills in defence industry, cyber defence and cybersecurity and others.
More conferences and events are taking place in 2026
DG DEFIS has also been organising annual meetings with ENDR members since 2016.
DG DEFIS is in regular contact with members to keep them informed about relevant funding initiatives, and open to suggestions for future events.
You can contact us by email DEFIS-ENDR
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (DEFIS-ENDR[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu).
New members
Areas of activity
The Regional Development Agency concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, Materials and components, Dual Technologies, Advanced materials, Cybersecurity, Photonics, counter UAV/UAS, high reliability semiconductor components, and other.
About BOM
Strengthening national security is an urgent societal challenge that also offers economic opportunities. At the intersection of security, innovation, and entrepreneurship, BOM plays a unique role.
BOM supports the Ministry of Defence in boosting its innovation capacity.
Its focus is on dual-use technologies: solutions that apply to both civilian and military markets. BOM strengthens the collaboration between Defence and the Brabant business community.
Through SecFund (€100 million, VC capital for startups, scale-ups and SMEs), BITS, and the NATO DIANA programme, BOM supports entrepreneurs with funding, test facilities, and international networks to develop and apply dual-use technologies for a safer society
Point of contact
Marieke Huis in 't Veld, Strategist & Corporate Secretary, mhuisintveldbom [dot] nl (mhuisintveld[at]bom[dot]nl)
Areas of activity
The cluster concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, comprehensive safety and security, cybersecurity, aerial UAV/UAS – including UTM, Defence and national security and defence industry (R&D).
About Safety and Security Campus Assen
The Security and Safety Campus Assen are a dynamic public-private collaboration in the Northern Netherlands where education, government authorities, defence partners, knowledge institutions, and businesses jointly strengthen societal resilience and preparedness. Located near the Johan Willem Frisokazerne, the campus integrates vocational, applied, and academic education with a shared multidisciplinary research centre, dedicated training facilities and innovation in security- and defence-related domains.
Acting as a Defence Enabler, the campus focuses on developing skilled personnel and operational readiness for both civilian and military contexts. With a strong emphasis on dual-use applications (including crisis management, cybersecurity, simulation and training, digital resilience and whole-of-society preparedness) the campus contributes to a resilient workforce and a stronger European security ecosystem.
Visit the website
https://www.assen.nl/veiligheidscampus-assen
Point of contact
Ingeborg Bennink, EU adviser, i [dot] benninkcitiesnorthernnetherlands [dot] eu (i[dot]bennink[at]citiesnorthernnetherlands[dot]eu)
Central German Institute for Security Industry e.V.
Areas of Activity
The Institute concentrates on capability areas of direct relevance to EU security and defence priorities, including advanced materials, cybersecurity, electronics, energy, robotics, aerial UAV/UAS – including UTM, Defence and national security and defence industry.
About Mitteldeutsches Institut für Sicherheitsindustrie e.V.
The Central German Institute for the Security Industry pursues the following objectives:
- to position the region as a professional and high-performing technology and industrial hub for the defence industry, and
- to facilitate market access for companies.
With a focus on economic development, market access, and innovation, the Institute also aims to strengthen regional supply chains, establish (inter)national partnerships, and advance research and development. Political support and professional communication create trust, acceptance, and the ability to act effectively.
Key measures include:
- the creation of networks,
- the promotion of technology transfer and pilot projects, and
- the initiation of company settlements in Central Germany.
In the long term, the Institute will serve as a point of contact for ministries, institutions, and companies alike in order to strengthen threat awareness and economic resilience in the region. Defence capability is a federal responsibility; regional clusters will be aligned with this overarching objective at an early stage, and competition will be shaped as a competition for quality in order to avoid fragmentation and duplicate structures.
The Institute is supported by all chambers of commerce in Saxony.
Strategic Framework 2026–2027
Building on this foundation, MISI has adopted a structured Strategy for Economy and Market Access 2026–2027.
Strategic Context
The current security policy turning point requires an economically sustainable, innovative-driven security architecture. Increased defence budgets, closer European cooperation, and the objective of defence-industrial and technological sovereignty create new opportunities for regions capable of delivering industrial depth, resilient supply chains, and rapid technology transfer. MISI positions Central Germany as a regional catalyst within this transformation.
Strategic Fields of Action
1. Market Access & Economic Development
- Transparency on procurement pathways and qualification requirements
- Facilitation of access to national and European funding (incl. EDF-related programmes)
- Development of a 'Security Industry Map' for Central Germany
- Establishment of a 'Security Industry Showcase'
2. Engagement of Demand Stakeholders
Structured integration of armed forces procurement authorities, civil security actors, and public institutions.
3. Research, Development & Dual-Use Innovation
- Initiation of at least three funded R&D projects by 2027
- Establishment of a Dual-Use Innovation Hub
- Cooperation with universities and research institutes
- Focus on scalable dual-use technologies
4. Industrial Structural Transformation
Support for companies transitioning from traditional automotive supply chains toward defence and security value chains.
5. Communication, Politics & Positioning
- Structured positioning in Berlin and Brussels
- Regular forums and conferences
- Publication of an annual 'Central Germany Defence & Security Report'
- Professional external communication fostering trust and transparency
Economic & Societal Impact
MISI’s strategy links defence capability with regional value creation, qualified employment, infrastructure investment, technological sovereignty, resilient supply chains, and democratic resilience.
Point of contact
Major General (ret.) Markus Kurczyk, Chairman, vorstandmisi-ev [dot] de (vorstand[at]misi-ev[dot]de)
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- Organisations
ENDR brings together defence-related regional organisations and clusters with SMEs, suppliers, manufacturers and other key stakeholders. Explore the map to find a defence-related organisation that could help your dual-use activities. Total number of members: 105
- Join the network
By sharing information on dual-use strategies, developments and events, ENDR members help shape the European strategy for defence-related regions. If you are a regional organisation, cluster or similar body in the EU (or Norway), you can join the network by filling in the form.
- Resources
This page provides an overview of the different funding and networking opportunities in the EU and beyond. How can you support your future project?
Latest News
The International Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition, BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026 officially kicked off on 26 February 2026.
EUDIS Defence Hackathon Spring 2026 opens call for participants. The EUDIS Defence Hackathon Spring 2026 has officially opened its call for participants. From 16 February, innovators from across Europe and beyond are invited to register.
A research paper on the benefits for regions from defence spending and the added value of DEFIS’ ENDR was recently published in the journal EconPol Forum.