The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched a pilot edition of the Defence Innovation Course (DEFIC). The programme, running from September to November 2026, trains public officials to manage defence innovation.
Forty officials are taking part in the pilot course. The course is organised under the agency's Hub for European Defence Innovation (HEDI), in partnership with the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
DEFIC combines self-paced online modules with face-to-face workshops in Brussels, case studies and group exercises. The agency frames the goal as strengthening member states' ability to "identify, manage and transition innovative solutions into operational military capabilities”, according to the EDA.
The curriculum covers three areas: managing the innovation lifecycle from concept to implementation, navigating the roles of ministries, armed forces, industry and international institutions, and leadership skills for driving organisational change. The EDA says the course should also help build a Europe-wide network of defence innovation practitioners.