In this episode of The Grant Podcast, I dive into the role of CENSEC, Denmark’s national cluster for defense, space, and security, and how it facilitates access to EU funding, particularly the European Defense Fund (EDF). The conversation highlights the strategic importance of clusters in fostering innovation and collaboration among SMEs, research institutions, and government bodies. We explore the shifting landscape of defense funding in Europe, especially following Denmark’s recent reintegration into EU defense collaborations, and how this has impacted the availability of resources and support structures for organizations seeking EDF funding.

The discussion also underscores the historical reluctance towards defense funding in Denmark anmd Europe and how perceptions are rapidly changing in response to geopolitical threats. The episode further delves into CENSEC’s initiatives, including its EDF Best Practice Group, which brings together grant winners, EU regional offices, the Ministry of Defence, and industry players to share insights and improve Denmark’s performance in securing EDF funding. A key focus is on strategic alliances, where experienced grant recipients mentor newer entrants to enhance participation in EU-funded defense projects. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges of EDF funding—such as its tender-like complexity, stringent co-financing requirements, and the necessity for government backing in applications. Finally, we examine the evolving European defense ecosystem, the increasing role of private-sector investments in security research, and why strengthening Europe’s defense innovation capabilities is now a crucial priority.

Time codes:

00:01:49 Introduction

00:06:32 Fly in on CENSEC and EDF

00:08:51 CENSEC

00:31:37 Facilitating EDF

00:59:50 Recommemdations

01:03:03 The toughest challenge