The Observatory of Critical Technologies (OCT), co-led by DG DEFIS and DG JRC, monitors and analyses critical technologies, related developments and supply chains of space and defence. The OCT was established further to the Action Plan on Synergies between civil, defence, and space industries (COM(2021) 70 of 22 Feb 2021).
The OCT identifies critical technologies for space, security, defence, and public order. It provides regular analysis and risk assessments. It focuses on space and defence as a first step. It should expand its scope to encompass civil technologies in the future.
A critical technology is defined as following:
- Technology for which there is a strategic dependency (no EU source is available, and no unrestricted access from non-EU sources);
- Technology essential for space, security, defence, public order; or the twin digital and green transition in the context of space and defence;
- Technology of multi-use and/or-applications;
- Technology of low-medium integration level, i.e. components, equipment, sub-systems, including materials, advanced materials, methods, processes and tools required for those ;
- Technology that has a clearly identified function and performance
The Commission issues regular EU classified reports discussed with EU Member States. These reports help identify areas requiring urgent activities. Thus, they inform EU policy development, research and investment, including the EU Space R&D Programme.
By 2025, a total of 12 space and defence technologies will be assessed. They do cover technologies responding to EEE components, equipment, sub-systems and systems specifically designed for meeting space missions and defence assets requirements.
As per 2025, DEFIS has started issuing the EU technology roadmaps in coordination with industry, research institutes and EU Member States (available on a need-to-know basis, to EU stakeholders only). The EU technology roadmaps responding to the OCT, finalized in 2025, will find direct implementation in the 2026 – 2027 EU Space R&D Programme responding to the area called Critical Space EEE and Equipment for EU non-dependence.
For any question or being involved in OCT activities open to industry and research institutes, an OCT Hub has been created (available to relevant EU stakeholders which are not non-EU controlled) as part of the EU Space Digital Ecosystem Platform.