The defence industry in the CSEE region has undergone significant restructuring during past years. The changes are expected in the years ahead reflecting ongoing restructuring, consolidation and modernisation. The opportunities for cooperation, outside involvement and investments are emerging from the change-over to market economies and restructuring of the region`s militaries. At the same time, new socio-economic systems presented unexpected new challenges and constraints for the restructuring defence industry in the region.

Today`s growing security challenges impose a task of finding the most efective solutions to transform security into a true competitive advantage for companies. The demand is growing for sophisticated, specialized systems and equipment, which should raise the market growth of this industry expected over the next years. The increased threat of terrorism increases the overall demand for the industry’s services and products in commercial buildings, borders, airports and entire infrastructure.

The conference is offering unique opportunity to gain wealth of information on what CSEE governments do to maintain sustainability of the national defence and security industries, what are the procurement priorities and prospects for regional cooperation. Industry cooperation vs competitivness and the future trends in industry exchange and technology sharing are to be discussed at this unique regional forum. Expert speakers will also examine the commercial value of developing dual-use technologies and diversification into civilian markets as well as potentials of new market strategies in the region such as joint ventures, direct investments and subcontracting options.

The conference will be unique opportunity to learn if the future of the defence industry in the region and the strategic focus of defence firms will remain in the hands of national governments or will be determined at more global level. The conference programme aims to improve mutual understanding between defence and the business community to provide higher quality outcomes for both.