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Université de la Grande Région

UniGR

L’Université de la Grande Région est un réseau qui regroupe sept universités (Universités de Kaiserslautern-Landau, de Liège, de Lorraine, du Luxembourg, de Sarre et de Trèves, htw saar) implantées sur l’espace frontalier de la Grande Région (Allemagne – Rhénanie-Palatinat et Sarre ; Belgique – Wallonie, Communautés française et germanophone de Belgique ; France – Région Grand-Est (Lorraine) ; Grand-Duché du Luxembourg).

Lobbying Activity

Response to Options for support for R&D of dual-use technologies

30 Apr 2024

The existence of a commonly agreed and conceptualised definition of dual use in the context of R&D support is necessary for joint investments with other stakeholders (e.g., EIB), to be developed. Defining dual use should communicate a clear and comprehensive scope encompassing a broad range of technologies, while optimally balancing between addressing security concerns and fostering innovation. Precautionary measures must be applied to avoid any kind of misuse or proliferation e.g., via risk assessment mechanisms. The UL is in favour of Option 2 as we believe that the other options would either significantly affect current financial planning or complicate the research landscape. These arguments are widely accepted and supported by research institutes (Paul Scherrer), private enterprises (Navantia), and researchers. The partial opening of HEs successor program could enable the development of applications which will take into account requirements coming from the defence sector in advance. Should such requirements be not taken into consideration as a priority, this could raise significant challenges when it comes to transferring a civil application into the defence sector for dual-use exploitation.The dual-use aspect should be part of the FP10, provided it will not directly affect the intended budget allocations, and there will be additional funding distributed to serve any further needs which may arise. The need to reinforce integration and relatedness between the FP10 and EDF is crucial for promoting the necessary continuity and a smooth transition of progress, from the development phase (FP10) to the practical application and exploitation phase (EDF). Essential aspects for optimally promoting R&I: Ensuring a balance between fundamental and applied research should be a priority for subjects falling under the dual-use status. It is important to ensure that not only applications with higher TRLs will be considered, but also fundamental research. Defining a clear framework and guidelines for international collaboration of the scientific and research community so as not to be discouraged from collaboration due to the potential limitations that the dual-use implementation may carry. Dual-use should also foster military to civil research and not only civil to military research, while ensuring that those opting for military applications will have the opportunity to research and apply the civil aspect of their research. Civil aspect of dual-use technologies should fall under the current HE regulatory framework, while any restrictions should be attached to the military aspect. Apart from the highly essential priorities mentioned above, there are additional aspects to be considered: Dual-use technologies span across a spectrum of fundamental to applied research. Designing eligibility criteria that accommodate both fundamental and applied research projects, while ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and security considerations, would require careful deliberation. There should be clear guidelines on open science norms concerning dual use. Establishment of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism is deemed necessary for providing valuable feedback on the impact of dual-use R&D investments, including potential economic, societal, or security outcomes. Education and Training on dual-use issues for students, researchers, or project participants should be mandatory. Awareness, support, and guidance for researchers and stakeholders on the potential risks and ethical dilemmas stemming from dual-use technologies should be increased. Ethical dilemmas should be carefully considered: ensuring that dual-use activities adhere to ethical standards and legal frameworks, without limiting innovation and knowledge exchange; establishment of an ethical review mechanism to evaluate potential implications of projects with dual-use technologies along with the promotion of ethical decision-making could address such challenges.
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Meeting with Jean-Philippe Gammel (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

20 Mar 2018 · Higher education