Join us in Brussels for a dynamic gathering that brings together policymakers, innovators, and thought leaders from across Europe to explore how closer collaboration between industry and academia can power Europe’s future.
Now in its 4th edition, this annual conference, organised by the Nordic and Baltic R&D Offices in Brussels, highlights the strength of Nordic and Baltic innovation ecosystems and their growing impact on research and innovation across Europe. This year, there is a special focus on dual-use and defence-related research and innovation.
At a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, closer collaboration between research and industry, bridging industry and academia for dual-use innovation is essential to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, while ensuring that groundbreaking discoveries are translated swiftly and responsibly into real-world impact.
The event showcases successful cooperation models from Northern Europe and opens a forward-looking dialogue with the European Commission on how regulation and funding can better support impactful collaboration.
Designed for EU policymakers and stakeholders seeking practical pathways from discovery to deployment, the conference will feature leading researchers, industry experts, and ecosystem builders with hands-on experience in turning knowledge into real-world solutions that boost European competitiveness and resilience.
Through expert insights and policy discussions, we will reflect on recent developments, highlight what works, and identify where Europe can go further.
The Event is jointly organized by LINO – Lithuanian RDI Liaison office, ETAG – Estonian Research Council’s Brussels Office, FiLi- Finnish Liaison office for EU R&I, Latvian Office for Innovation and Technology in Brussels, Latvian Council of Science, Norcore – Norwegian Contact Office for Research, Innovation, Education, and SWERI – Sweden’s Research and Innovation Office in Brussels.
If you are interesting in participating please reach out to Deimantė Telyčėnaitė deimante.telycenaite@lmt.lt
Programme
Moderator for the event: Charlotte Geerdink
10:30–11:00 Registration & Welcome Coffee
Arrival, registration, and coffee to start the day.
11:00–11:10 Welcome
- H.E. Ms Aiga Liepiņa – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Latvia to the Kingdom of Belgium, Latvia
Opening remarks
- Mr Reinis Brusbārdis – Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU (COREPER I), Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to the EU, Latvia
11:10–11:30 Keynote: Strategic Context for Dual‑Use & Academia–Industry Collaboration
The conference opens with keynote presentations that set the strategic context for the day and frame the discussions for the following sessions. Speakers will share perspectives on academia–industry collaboration in research and innovation, and dual‑use.
- Kristina Tegler Jerselius – Senior Analyst, Swedish Research Council, Sweden.
- Panagiotis Sevdalis – Policy Officer, DG RTD, European Commission
11:30–12:20 Panel 1: Policy Enabling Dual‑Use Innovation
Public authority representatives will provide the context for the discussion by sharing insights from the regulatory and strategic vantage point. Drawing on direct experience shaping frameworks, funding instruments, and cross‑border initiatives, the speakers will reflect on how cooperation between research institutions, industry actors, and public bodies unfolds on the ground, particularly in sensitive and high‑impact fields such as security and dual‑use.
- Raimondas Martinavičius – Chief Advisor to the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, Lithuania
- Prof. Jyrki Saarinen – Deputy Director, PREIN Flagship (Finnish flagship programme), University of Eastern Finland, Finland
- Häli Allas – Head of Smart and Innovative Internal Security at the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, Estonia
- Marianne Jensen – Department Director, Research Council of Norway, Norway
- Ciarán Carey – Strategic Advisor at the National Defence Technology Centre, Denmark
12:20–13:20 Lunch
13:20–13:40 Fireside Chat: EDF & EIC Collaboration
An engaging conversation exploring the evolving landscape of European research and innovation funding. The discussion will focus on how these two funding instruments can learn from each other, align approaches, and support research and innovation more effectively.
- Guillaume De La Brosse – Head of Unit, Defence Policy and Innovation, DG DEFIS, European Commission
- Paola Lo Bue Oddo – Legal Officer, European Commission
13:40–14:30 Panel 2: Practical Collaborations & Lessons Learned
Drawing on hands‑on experience from the Nordic‑Baltic region in managing cross‑sector partnerships, research and innovation ecosystems, and technology deployment, this session highlights practical challenges, best practices, and lessons learned in translating research into scalable solutions.
- Andre Pettersen – Research Director, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, Norway
- Paulius Nezabitauskas – Director, Tech Park Kaunas (ODIN), Lithuania
- Teemu Seppälä – Technology & Innovation Director, City of Riihimäki, Finland
- Prof. David Gisselsson – Lund University Center for Preparedness and Resilience; member of the Campus Total Defense steering board
- Dr Mario Leier, Head of Laboratory – Embedded Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory, TalTech, Estonia
14:30–14:50 Fireside chat: Testbeds – From Science‑Based Innovation to First Buyer
A focused look at how testbeds support the journey from science‑driven innovation to early adoption and first buyers.
- Mr Nikita Kazakevics, Head of Innovations Development Division, LMT, Latvia
- Mr Hannu Nikurautio, Research Director, 6G Test Centre, Finland
14:50–15:20 Coffee Break
15:20–16:10 Panel 3: Future‑Proofing Dual‑Use: Where the Nordic‑Baltic Region Can Lead
Looking beyond current frameworks and practices, this session explores emerging technologies, new forms of collaboration, and the key enablers needed to scale regional strengths. The discussion will outline strategic opportunities to shape the next phase of development and build long‑term resilience.
- Ms Inese Stepiņa – Sadales Tīkli, Growth Manager, Innovation Management Function, Latvia
- Assoc Prof Dr Artūras Medeišis – Dean of the Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
- Karl Hallding – Chief Analyst, Strategic Intelligence, Vinnova, Sweden
- Steinar Grynning – Head of Brussels office, SINTEF, Norway
- Nicholas Hawtin – DTU Science Park (ODIN), Denmark
- Aleksander Raketski – Frontex Portfolio Lead, Department of Research Support and Knowledge Transfer, Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, Estonia
16:10–16:30 Reflections & Concluding Remarks
- Ms Zeneta Vegnere – Deputy Head of Cabinet, Cabinet of Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, Latvia
- MEP Ivars Ījabs – Member of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), Latvia
16:30 → Networking Reception
Wrap up the day with informal discussions and networking.
