On April 14, 2026, the fourth installment of the “Go2SVI” webinar series took place as part of the transform.r project. Organized by the Cluster Mobility & Logistics, the online event was aimed specifically at companies in the automotive industry seeking to tap into new business areas against the backdrop of structural change. The focus was on the growing importance of the security and defense industry (SVI) as a strategic area for diversification.
Following opening remarks by Julia Dick (Cluster Mobility & Logistics), speaker Götz Witzel, Senior Advisor at WIMCOM GmbH, introduced the current developments in the industry in his presentation “Turning Point 2.0.” It became clear that geopolitical shifts and rising defense budgets are permanently altering market conditions and opening up new opportunities for companies that have previously operated outside the SDI.
A central component of the webinar was the analysis of the current market situation and future prospects. Witzel pointed out that companies with expertise from the automotive industry—particularly in areas such as production, logistics, or system integration—possess transferable skills that are increasingly in demand in the defense sector. At the same time, he emphasized that entering the market entails specific requirements, including regulatory frameworks, security-related certifications, and a deep understanding of procurement processes.
Another focus was on the specific needs of the German Armed Forces and major system integrators (OEMs). It was highlighted here that, in addition to technological expertise, reliability, long-term partnerships, and the ability to integrate into existing supply chains are crucial. In addition, the speaker provided practical insights into success factors as well as typical mistakes when entering the industry. The “Dos & Don’ts” presented underscored the importance of strategic preparation and a realistic assessment of one’s own capabilities.
The subsequent discussion session provided an opportunity for questions and deeper insights. The focus was particularly on challenges related to market access and opportunities for positioning.
The “Go2SVI” webinar series is part of the German government’s transformation networks and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). Through the transform.r project, the initiative actively supports companies in navigating the transformation of the automotive industry and identifies concrete pathways to tapping into new markets.
The fourth installment of the series impressively demonstrated that the security and defense industry represents a relevant future field for many companies. At the same time, it became clear that a successful entry requires thorough preparation, industry-specific expertise, and a clear strategic direction.