Second Training Workshop within the EDF – EOA Project
As part of the EOA project – “Enhancing Opportunities for All” – the Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster (CDICC) organized the second in a series of workshops in Kranj, Slovenia (November 26–28, 2025) for EDF National Contact Points, their alternates, and other members of the national EDF teams, with the aim of strengthening NFPs, their practical knowledge and skills, and providing support to the EDF. In total 25 people participated in the workshop from 10 countries.
Workshop Structure and Modules
This workshop included 2 modules covering the following topics:
Module 1
Topic: “Cooperation and Compatibility of the EDF with Other Investment Instruments and Programs, Real Case Studies from Project Implementation, and Practical Approaches to Working with Stakeholders
Module 2
Topic: “IPR – Intellectual Property Rights in the EDF – European Defence Fund”
Special focus was placed on the Slovenian experience with EDF (from both EDF leaders and consortium partners) and on managing IPR in EDF projects. These topics are crucial for successful project implementation and ensuring proper protection of intellectual property developed through EDF-funded research and development activities.
“The second workshop in Slovenia built upon the foundation established in Zagreb, providing deeper insights into practical aspects of EDF project management and intellectual property rights. The exchange of experiences between countries has proven invaluable for strengthening our collective capacity.”
International Participation
The workshop brought together 25 participants from 10 countries, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment. This international participation facilitated valuable exchanges of experiences, best practices, and lessons learned from different national approaches to EDF implementation.
The diversity of participants enabled comprehensive discussions on various challenges and opportunities faced by different member states, contributing to a more robust understanding of the EDF ecosystem across Europe.
Company Visits and Practical Insights
At the closing of the three-day workshop, as part of the partnership with the Slovenian Ministry of Defense, participants visited several companies that have successfully participated in EDF calls, with discussions on national approaches to innovation, research and development, and the exchange of best practices.
These company visits provided participants with firsthand insights into how successful EDF projects are implemented in practice. The discussions with company representatives covered various aspects of project management, consortium coordination, and the practical application of EDF funding in real-world defence industry contexts.
Key Learning Outcomes
Participants gained valuable knowledge in several critical areas:
- Understanding synergies between EDF and other EU funding instruments
- Practical approaches to stakeholder engagement and management
- IPR management strategies specific to EDF projects
- Real-world case studies from successful EDF implementations
- Best practices in consortium building and partnership management
- National approaches to supporting defence industry innovation
Slovenian Experience and Best Practices
The workshop benefited greatly from the Slovenian hosts’ willingness to share their experiences with EDF project implementation. Both project leaders and consortium partners provided valuable insights into their approaches, challenges faced, and solutions developed throughout their EDF journey.
The focus on IPR management was particularly valuable, as intellectual property rights represent a critical aspect of defence research and development projects. Participants learned about various approaches to managing IPR within consortium agreements and ensuring fair distribution of rights and benefits among project partners.
Additional Resources
Access to previous EOA trainings and webinars on EDF best practices is available on:
Continuing the EOA Journey
The success of both the Zagreb and Kranj workshops demonstrates the value of the EOA project in building capacity among EDF National Focal Points. The knowledge and networks developed through these workshops will continue to support NFPs in their crucial role of facilitating access to EDF funding for their national defence industries.
CDICC remains committed to supporting the EOA project and organizing future capacity-building activities that strengthen the European defence research and development ecosystem.