Every two years, the Directorate produces the Overarching Strategic Research Agenda (OSRA) report. It links the priorities of EDA’s Capability Technology Groups (CapTechs) with military tasks and long-term capability needs set out in the Capability Development Plan (CDP). The CapTechs, bring together experts from government, industry and academia to work together on research and technology activities in 15 priority areas. The Directorate also promotes defence innovation and fosters synergies at EU level with civil research in dual-use technology fields.
RTI Directorate’s key tasks
- RTI Coordination Team manages EDA’s Research & Technology projects, coordinates negotiations with the Ministries of defence, contributes to transversal activities (such as CDP, OSRA, Coordinated Annual Review on Defence, Permanent Structured Cooperation, and Key Strategic Activities), and implements the Emerging Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) Action Plan.
- HEDI Coordination Team manages the Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI), which accelerates EU defence innovation from early research to capability adoption. It is fully integrated into the EU capability development cycle, focusing on technology scouting, maturation, and operational experimentation. HEDI fosters collaboration across Member States, industry, and academia while accelerating the uptake of cutting-edge solutions.
- Technology & Innovation Unit facilitates the work of the CapTechs and manages ad hoc research activities based on the sectoral Strategic Research and Innovation Agendas (SRIAs).
- EU-funded Defence Research Unit: handling the implementation of projects funded by the EU budget, including the European Defence Fund (EDF) grants and the Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS) project funded by the LIFE Programme.
