Geopolitical shifts caused by emerging autocracies, war on European soil, rapid technological developments, and increasingly advanced hybrid threats undermining our society; it has become more necessary than ever for the Netherlands to reduce our strategic dependencies — from greater digital autonomy to a more resilient society.

Therefore, the Ministry of Defence has made 35 million euros available for research programs to be deployed via NWO. ‘Because the research and innovation power of the Netherlands can greatly strengthen our security and thus actively and effectively contribute to more strategic autonomy and better protection,’ said Jan de Boer, portfolio holder for defence on the board of directors.

Through this collaboration, the Ministry of Defence and NWO concretely implement the advice of the Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (AWTI), which was published by AWTI in October 2024. In an advisory report titled Knowledge Offensive for Defence - Research and Innovation for a Safe Netherlands, the advisory council stated among other things: ‘To increase our national security, educational and knowledge institutions and the Ministry of Defence must cooperate more closely and intensively.’

Defence Strategy Focuses on More Knowledge and Innovation

The cabinet has adopted this advice and is working on its implementation. The new Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation explicitly states that ‘A strong Defence is only possible when supported by a strong industry and a high degree of innovation.’ Because strengthening, guarding, and maintaining our security and autonomy worldwide is increasingly a battle for knowledge, new technology, and innovation. Moreover, innovation within Defence also leads to new applications that contribute to society and more economic growth. It simultaneously provides broadly civil-applicable knowledge and jobs. So it cuts both ways: this Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation is good for our security and economy.

Due to the deteriorating global security situation, the cabinet has also increased the defence budget by 3.4 billion euros next year. And because this must contribute not only to a strong but especially a smart Defence, the ministry is investing heavily in research, knowledge, and innovation that can enhance our security, focusing on smart materials, space technology, sensors, intelligent systems, and quantum technology. These five areas were announced by the cabinet last April.

Various NWO Calls

NWO is distributing 35 million euros for research. Defence has indicated that it wants to spread this through various research programs, focusing on quantum technology, smart materials, and resilience, among others. In recent months, NWO has worked on developing the first three programs. For example, the ongoing research program ‘High Performance Materials for Defence and Security’ has been increased by 5 million euros from the Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC). The research theme quantum technology is in the phase of substantive exploration, and the same applies to the research program on resilience. The first call for scientists in quantum technology is expected online early 2026. 

Security as a Shared Responsibility of Society

These programs must produce new knowledge and innovations that are more important than ever for maintaining, protecting, and strengthening our (inter)national security and strategic autonomy. De Boer emphasizes that this is a shared task: ‘As NWO, by funding research, we can mobilize the necessary knowledge that ultimately makes the Netherlands safer, because our security is a responsibility for all of us; not just Defence. And precisely science can – through knowledge and innovation – play an important role in safeguarding our security.’