Czech companies struggle to utilize modern technologies in defense
The Czech Republic is currently unable to fully utilize the potential of new technologies in the defense sector. According to the head of a major NATO acceleration program that supports innovative projects, many opportunities remain untapped, even in cases where technologies are available free of charge.
Only four Czech startups have managed to make it into the prestigious NATO acceleration program, which focuses on supporting innovation in the security sector. Experts point out that the Czech innovation ecosystem still has significant room for improvement in this regard and is failing to respond quickly enough to the needs of a modern military.
While we see successful examples abroad of companies that are growing rapidly and developing key defense technologies thanks to NATO support, Czech companies are joining such programs only slowly. The problem is often a lack of connectivity between the academic sphere, private startups, and state institutions that should be putting these innovations into practice.
Improving this situation is crucial for the Czech Republic if it wants to play a more significant role in the European security system in the future. Experts agree that it is necessary to create better conditions for cooperation and to motivate Czech technology companies to focus more on developing solutions for the defense and security of the state.