The HUN-REN Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN) and the Defence Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at facilitating the independent research network's participation in domestic and international defence industry research, development, and innovation programs. This collaboration also contributes to the advancement of the Hungarian defence sector. The cooperation agreement was signed during an event on 14 December 2023 by Brigadier General Imre Porkoláb, CEO of VIKI, and Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN.
VIKI was established in early 2023 by the Minister of Defence with the aim of advancing the domestic defence industry, the innovation ecosystem, and the development of future defence capabilities. Its mission is to promote and support innovation, particularly in the field of dual-use technologies, products, and services, which have both military and civilian applications. Another objective of the organisation is to connect end-users within the armed forces with the best and most efficient innovators. VIKI supports collaborative projects for companies and institutions engaged in scientific research and technological development. Its goal is to develop the most efficient dual-use technological solutions that meet the needs of the military, with the aim of equipping the armed forces to the greatest extent possible with domestically developed and manufactured equipment.
The scientific endeavours of HUN-REN researchers have previously been linked with various aspects of Hungarian defence developments. In the newly established cooperation agreement, both parties have committed to actively pursue the initiation of joint research projects to secure funding from both domestic and international sources. Additionally, VIKI will provide research institutions the testing environment required for validating defence-related developments. To facilitate effective communication, the parties will keep each other informed about various collaboration opportunities, professional programs, and events.
At the event, Brigadier General Imre Porkoláb, Chief Executive Officer of VIKI, emphasised: "The development of dual-use technologies is one of the most crucial elements in building national resilience. In this regard, VIKI not only contributes to stimulating the economy but also supports the security of our country and its citizens by bridging small businesses, the academic sector, and the military. Projects shared with HUN-REN align perfectly with this profile and strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Culture and Innovation."
During the event, President Balázs Gulyás stated, “HUN-REN's primary mission is to establish a live connection between science and society, bridging the gap between researchers and the taxpayer citizens who support our work. This means that scientific and innovation results need to be integrated into the value chain, ensuring their social, economic, and intellectual impact is fully realised. As a flagship participant in the Neumann János Programme, HUN-REN is dedicated to contributing to the program's objectives, where, alongside areas of focus such as digitisation, healthy living, and the circular economy, security and defence play a significant role.”