Photo credit: RND
IE.F Board Member René Obermann shares another powerful call to action in his recent interview with the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland.
He points out: Europe has reaped the benefits of long-standing peace, but now faces a new era that demands real investment in defense, innovation, and strategic autonomy. Our defense innovation ecosystems need resources and support to match their mission.
His key priorities:
Streamlined procurement – move away from bureaucracy toward agile, innovation-driven processes.
Technological sovereignty – invest in areas like semiconductors, hybrid systems, and space technology.
Stronger European alliances – deepen cross-border industrial partnerships, especially between Germany and France.
These are not just defense issues, they are economic and democratic ones. Europe's security and resilience must become a shared priority across public and private sectors.