Since 2014 — and particularly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — defence spending in Europe has risen significantly. Many regions in Europe are home to key producers for the defence industry, and this also applies to the region of Innlandet. The regional defence industry can act as a driver for regional development by creating jobs and promoting innovation. Targeted investments in expertise, capital and networks — both within the region and between regions — can reinforce this effect and ensure that defence-driven innovation has a lasting impact. Support for ‘dual-use’ technologies is particularly important for linking military innovation to civilian applications, thereby increasing the benefits to society. At the same time, there is the danger of public waste through ‘rent-seeking’ and so-called ‘defence washing’, where actors seek profit without real value creation or societal benefit.
The event is to be held in English.
About Gert-Jan Hospers
Gert-Jan Hospers is a researcher at the University of Ostrava (Czech Republic). He has previously worked at the University of Twente and Radboud University (both in the Netherlands). He has published extensively on regional development, regional policy and place marketing (“place branding”). He has an educational background in economic geography and public administration. After the lecture there will be time for questions and discussion.
Practical information
Open seminar – everyone is welcome. Coffee, tea and pastries will be served.
Velcome in auditorium H at INN Lillehammer!
Contact information
- nicolaas.groenendijk@inn.no
- Phone
- +47 62 43 03 05
Organisers
This arrangement is organised by the research groups European and global studies (EUGLOB) and Planning and regional innovation (PRI).