The four universities are open to cooperation, Robert-Jan Smits informs. The TU/e Board President says he was alarmed by the speech of NATO chief Rutte, who recently warned that we should prepare for the possibility of war. Recent developments in the US also worry him. “We need to look at how we can support the Defense Ministry. As a university, we can’t stand idly by.”

Smart reserve

Currently, the collaboration is limited and often ad hoc, Smits knows. The conversation with Minister Brekelmans and the technical universities was largely focused on what the Board President refers to as the “smart reserve”. “I believe that universities can play an important role in strengthening our national security by responding quickly in the event of a crisis. In an emergency situation, universities could quickly supply the latest knowledge and expertise needed to address the crisis to the Dutch government and thus to society.”

For this reason, Smits wants to establish a strategic partnership with Defense. The other universities are also open to this. What should that collaboration look like? “A good example on our side,” says Smits, “are the leading researchers working in the field of cybersecurity. These experts could help in the event of a major digital attack, should Defense be unable to manage the situation on its own – for example with systems for payment transactions, flood protection or data networks.”

TU/e can also provide support in other areas, such as energy systems, infrastructure, civil engineering and chemistry, Smits points out. “So this would not be a traditional military unit, but rather a pool of knowledge. We don’t want to develop weapons or combat technologies here; we want to focus on defensive applications. In countries such as Estonia and Finland, it’s quite common for universities to play a role in strengthening national resilience.”

No bombs or grenades

TU/e students and researchers are free to decide for themselves if they want to participate in such a plan. No one will be forced to do so, Smits explains. “But I think many people are eager to contribute to the protection of our country, especially now.” Still, it has not escaped his notice that early last month, unrest broke out at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) when Minister Brekelmans wanted to engage in talks about international security with students. And at TU/e itself, there have been multiple demonstrations against TU/e’s ties with Israel. He emphasizes that this concerns a bilateral partnership with Defense. "We’re not going to make bombs or grenades; we’ll work with the “smart reserve” to see what we can do for one another.”

What the collaboration will mean for TU/e in concrete terms is not yet clear. Smits: “The universities and Defense are currently in the exploratory phase; the plans still need to be fleshed out. However, within TU/e, we’re already exploring what we can do, how we should do it, what it would require of us, whether there’s support and what the possibilities are. Based on this, we can make further plans.”

Sensitive information

No budget has been allocated yet from Defense, but the Board President expects funding to be made available. Especially since Defense spending is set to rise and governments do not only want to invest in weapons, but also in innovation and knowledge. With regard to security, Smits is clear: “It’s true that this plan requires that we handle sensitive information carefully. We are aware of that. We’re already taking measures, such as the knowledge security service desk and screening foreign students and researchers applying for sensitive fields. In addition, strict protocols are in place for access to certain labs. This is something that was implemented in response to previous incidents.”