Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIEDeveloping and procuring defense equipment can take years, or even decades. Nevertheless, this equipment still needs to be state of the art then. Comprehensive foresight into possible future technological developments can make it significantly easier to overcome this contradiction in defense research and technology planning.
Since the early 1970s, the core mission of the research group has been to provide decision support to the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) on all matters of technological development and their implications for its R&T planning.
The technology-oriented futurology generates decision-making knowledge about probable scientific and technical future developments and their potential relevance to defense and military applications. In particular, this includes the early detection of new technological developments within a technology scanning and monitoring approach designed as a 360° technology radar, as well as the identification of associated opportunities and risks for defense and security.
The team consists of researchers from all relevant scientific and technical disciplines with many years of practical experience in futurology. Thanks to its long-standing, close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Defense and its subordinate agencies, the scientists also have in-depth knowledge of structures, processes and requirements in the defense sector. This allows the research results to be optimally tailored to the needs of the BMVg. To ensure the quality of its own processes and results, the research group also engages in regular exchanges through international collaborations. Its staff actively participates in international committees of EDA and NATO and works on projects for the EDA, the European Commission and other European partners.