Understanding Defence – a Business Perspective
The aim of the course is to present the complexity of the defence world from a business perspective. It seeks to explain the relationship between military technologies and policymaking and clarify international regulations for defence production and military/dual-use trade, with a specific emphasis on the EU and NATO regulatory frameworks. Participants will gain knowledge of the specifics of the defence business, including marketing, sales, market analysis, and support programmes for research and development of military and dual-use technologies. They will also explore current challenges and anticipated future trends in defence technologies. Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be equipped to create strategies for business development, sales and marketing of defence/dual-use products with a clear methodology and understanding of product/market specifics.
Gained Competencies
Understanding the interplay between defence technologies and policymaking.
Getting to know latest trends and support programs and available funding for the research and development of military and dual-use technologies.
Creating business development, marketing and sales strategies customised for particular defence and dual-use technologies across a range of markets.
Gaining insight into the current challenges and upcoming trends in defence technologies.
Learning about the international regulations governing the production and trade of military and dual-use items.
This course is tailored for professionals who:
- Are interested in the field of defence and seek to acquire knowledge not offered in any other university course worldwide.
- Work in defence (industry, government, EU/NATO/UN structures, academia) or defence-related fields (consultancy, law, finance, technology, business, marketing, sales etc.) and seek to expand their knowledge into the business aspect of defence.
- Are considering working in defence or defence-related fields and wish to comprehend the specifics of defence ecosystems.
- Work in business fields that are civilian but believe their solutions could have defence applications and seek guidance on potential next steps.
- Have established or plan to establish a business and want to understand how to go about their activities, attract investors, and tailor their products for success in the defence sector.
The course takes place online through a combination of prerecorded high-quality video lectures, online Q&A sessions, live sessions with valuable experts, comprehensive study materials and control tests. Most of the course material is allowing applicants to study individually based on their own time availability. The course is completed with a practically focused case study (participants can choose to work individually or in a smaller group).
It is conducted entirely in English.
The course starts on 20 January 2025 and ends on 21 March 2025.
The course starts on 20 January 2025 and ends on 21 March 2025.
| Module 1 Obligatory live online session (20. 1. 2025, 15:00 – 16:30 CET) |
Introduction, international, NATO and EU regulatory frameworks |
| Module 2 | R&D in defence, current NATO and EU support programmes |
| Module 3 | Business development, marketing and sales in defence |
| Module 4 | Current challenges and trends |
| Module 5 | Case study |
Price: 1700 EUR
Price for members of the Faculty Learning Network: 1340 EUR
Course Lecturer
Dr. Kristýna Helm
Dr. Helm offers a complex perspective on the international defence ecosystem gained through years of professional experience in the defence sector. Her academic background equips her to understand and educate on the underlying factors driving the phenomena currently shaping international security relations. Serving as a National Focal Point for the European Defence Fund, Deputy Head of the Czech Delegation to the NATO Industry Advisory Group, and Board Member of the NATO Science & Technology Organization involves her actively in ongoing European and transatlantic initiatives. Regular engagements with representatives from governments and international organisations give her invaluable insights into the possibilities and constraints of state support. Daily interactions with defence industry companies in her role as Vice President of the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic enable her to identify, understand and address their needs effectively. Having extensive experience as a university lecturer and public speaker, she excels in effectively transferring knowledge in an engaging and memorable way.
