Dual-use and the bio-based industries - a strategic opportunity for Europe

The dual-use concept is far from new: GPS, the internet, and composite materials all originated in defence programmes before transforming everyday life. What is new is the speed and urgency with which dual-use is being adopted as a cornerstone of European industrial and innovation policy.The EU is undergoing a fundamental shift in its approach to defence and dual-use research.

For BIC, ‘defence, space and dual-use’ is a topic that Europe cannot neglect to address, given the current security environment and the need for European resilience. If dual-use engagement enables the switch from fossil to bio-based chemicals and materials, technology knowledge transfer must be ensured in both directions. BIC argues that the upcoming EU public procurement rules should consider dual-use applications of bio-based materials in defence procurement.