On December 9, 2025, the second part of the “Webinar Go2SVI: Automotive to Defense” series organized by the Cluster Mobility & Logistics took place as part of the transform.r project. The aim of the event was to provide companies in the automotive industry with practical guidance on how to diversify their capabilities toward the security and defense industries.
The webinar opened with a welcome address by Julia Dick, project manager of the Cluster Mobility & Logistics. The focus of the nearly one-hour online session was a presentation by Andreas von Büren, Managing Director of the BDSV – Federal Association of the German Security and Defense Industry (BDSV). He highlighted how companies in the automotive sector can transfer their existing expertise—such as in mechanics, electronics, or manufacturing—to security-related applications.
The presentation offered a realistic insight into the opportunities, but also the challenges, that entering the defense industry entails: It addressed regulatory requirements, security standards, and industry-specific requirements that differ significantly from the civilian sector. At the same time, best-practice approaches were presented on how companies can successfully diversify through targeted strategic adjustments and the utilization of existing technological capabilities.
Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that the security and defense market is currently gaining significant importance for small and medium-sized enterprises—driven, among other things, by new political frameworks, strategic industrial policy, and attractive funding programs. The webinar thus provided valuable guidance for decision-makers in development, production, and management.
Many participants likely found it particularly interesting to learn about realistic ways to leverage civilian expertise for security-related applications—and how the funding structures of the transform.r project can support this effort. The webinar demonstrated that the shift from automotive to defense can be a strategically sound response to the structural transformation of the industry.