Financing, Scaling, Defending: How German Industry is Bringing Dual-Use Innovations to Market Readiness

Europe stands at a geopolitical crossroads. Ongoing conflicts, intensified debates over defense spending, and increasing technological dependence on the United States and China have brought the role of German industry into sharp focus. As pressure mounts on Germany as a business hub, there is a growing imperative to develop innovative financing models and dual-use technologies; solutions that not only bolster national defense capabilities but also enhance Europe’s long-term global competitiveness.The spotlight is on the business model logic of German companies. Many leading industrial players and start-ups face long development cycles, significant capital requirements, and complex regulatory frameworks, while international competitors are scaling at a much faster pace.

The core challenge lies in designing financing and growth models that enable German firms to bring dual-use innovations to market readiness, while simultaneously reducing their reliance on export-driven strategies. The Executive Salon serves as a confidential forum for senior decision-makers from business, finance, and industry to explore the economic dimensions of defense. Key questions on the agenda include:

What kind of defense innovation ecosystem is required to strengthen Germany’s and Europe’s strategic resilience?
How can investment strategies be structured to both safeguard European sovereignty and support commercially viable business models for German companies?
What role can investment funds, financial institutions, and SMEs play in bridging security, innovation, and scalability?

Executive Salon – Key Characteristics

High-caliber, confidential dialogue among senior business leaders, financial stakeholders, industry representatives, and innovation drivers.
Analytical deep dives into financing models, innovation dynamics, and the geopolitical implications of defense-related technologies.
A strategic bridge connecting the traditional defense sector with large corporations, SMEs, and the start-up ecosystem.
Inclusion of international perspectives to benchmark European approaches within a global context.