Innovation and Dual-Use: German Czech Economic Forum Calls for Strengthening Competitiveness

Offering inspiration, strategic perspectives, and best-practice insights, the German Czech Economic Forum 2025 highlighted pathways toward a more competitive and resilient economy. The focus was on the opportunities of dual-use innovation and on the question of how business and security can be brought together in a world shaped by new geopolitical realities. What synergies become possible when the automotive and defence industries collaborate more closely in the field of innovation?

The tone was set early with the pre-event Automotive Meets Defence, where companies from both sectors explored concrete collaboration and forged new partnerships. The openings from the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry of the Czech Republic David Müller and Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space Dorothee Bär confirmed the strong partnership, and both pointed out the potential between Germany and Czechia and their willingness to further deepen the cooperation.

The GCEF kicked off with Prof. Dr. Rafaela Kraus from University of the Bundeswehr Munich, who emphasized that the future of defence and deterrence depends on how quickly commercial technologies, actors, and innovation cycles can be integrated into the security sector. ‚In this new reality, mass beats perfection – and speed becomes a strategic capability,‘ Kraus noted.

Leading representatives of key companies showed what competitiveness demands today: the ability to adapt quickly, make bold decisions and innovate beyond established routines. As Milan Šlachta, Representative of Bosch CZ & SK summed it up, companies need a new mindset: ‚ We want to be the winner. Be hungry to be the first one!‘ This drive to lead rather than follow echoed strongly across the discussion. Equally clear was the view that even problems like internal bureaucracy can be tackled directly within companies.

A special highlight came from Thomas Hirsch, CEO of HIRSCH Technologies, who shared how his company successfully transitioned from the automotive sector into the defence and aerospace industries. ‚You need perseverance – and a team that stands united behind the transformation,‘ advised Hirsch.

Representatives of security and innovation networks also underlined how they see their role in “connecting the dots” between the civilian and military sectors, and how they can support companies.  ‚If you don’t change what you’re doing and find a way to help the defence industry, you’re never going to succeed,‚ highlighted Kristýna Helm, Vice President of Czech Defence Industry Association (AOBP). The dialogue continues to be challenging: the civilian industry must first change its mindset and clearly understand where and how support is actually needed in the defence field.

Innovation Without Borders

The German Business Award 2025 (Deutscher Wirtschaftspreis/Cena německého hospodářství) ceremony was also held during the GCEF. Three exceptional projects were recognised for their innovation, strategic vision, and contribution to Czech-German economic cooperation.

The young company Instria received the Dual-Use Startup Award for its pioneering work on technologies with both civilian and defence applications. The family owned company DEVINN was honoured as “Transformation Champion” for its strong innovation capabilities and leadership in industrial transformation. The Cross-Border Cooperation Award went to AI 4 MultiDirect AM, an exceptional project uniting five partners: Entry Engineering, Fraunhofer IWU, Lakowa, the Technical University of Liberec, and RTT Automation. The project demonstrates the strength of Czech-German collaboration in large-scale 3D printing for industrial production and applied research. Congratulations to all winners!

Around 250 guests concluded the evening with lively discussions, valuable networking and excellent catering. See you next time!

Photo © Jaromír Zubák