The State of Berlin and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) intend to jointly establish an innovation centre for aerospace, defence and security technologies. A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed during a meeting between Governing Mayor Kai Wegner and IAI CEO Boaz Levy. The event was also attended by representatives from the worlds of politics and business.
The “IAI-BERLIN Aerospace & Defence Innovation Centre” is planned to be established at Adlershof Technology Park. It is meant to tighten collaboration between start-ups, research institutions and companies from the fields of aerospace, cybersecurity and autonomous systems.
Adlershof Technology Park: Focus on start-ups and technology transfer
According to the Press and Information Office of the State of Berlin, the initiative focuses on accelerator programmes, collaborations with start-ups, as well as pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives. The aim is to speed up the translation of technological developments into practical solutions and to strengthen Berlin’s existing innovation ecosystem.
Particular emphasis is placed on so-called dual-use technologies, which can be deployed for both civilian and military purposes. This highlights the interface between research, start-up development and security-related applications, a topic increasingly debated in both industrial policy and society.
Berlin is banking on an international industrial partnership with IAI
Israel Aerospace Industries is an Israeli state-owned company and one of the country’s largest defence contractors, specialising in aerospace and defence technology. The group develops and manufactures military and dual-use systems, including missile defence systems, drones, satellite technology and unmanned maritime systems. IAI is best known for the ‘Arrow 3’ missile defence system, the ‘Heron TP’ drone platform and the ‘BlueWhale’ autonomous submarine. The company also runs international accelerator programmes to support start-ups.
The planned presence in Berlin is meant to expand industrial cooperation with Germany. The plans include establishing local structures aimed at greater integration into research, development and production in the capital region.
Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, commented:
“Berlin is the ideal location for an innovation centre for aerospace and defence. In light of global crises, it is important to establish such a centre in the German capital, to provide targeted support for investment in aerospace, and to promote networking between companies and start-ups. The agreement with IAI brings first-class expertise from the aerospace and defence sectors into our ecosystem. Our aim is to develop Berlin as the number one innovation hub.”
Between research cluster and controversial industrial partnership
The Adlershof Technology Park is regarded as one of Berlin’s most important centres for science and innovation. The new hub is intended to further strengthen links between research, start-ups and industry.
At the same time, the collaboration is not without controversy in political and social circles, as it lies at the intersection of civilian innovation funding, military use and foreign policy relations. In Berlin, there have been repeated protests against the expansion of defence-related production within the city, most recently in connection with industrial sites in Wedding.
It cannot therefore be ruled out that similar discussions may arise in Adlershof too, should the innovation centre come to be primarily perceived as part of the security and defence industry. The issue at stake is not so much the science hub itself, but rather the fundamental question of how closely civilian research, start-up innovation and military applications should be linked in future.
Source: entwicklungsstadt.de (in German) | Author: Karin Schütte