Europe's defense build-up is dependent on successful partnerships between innovators and incumbent companies. The logic of joint ventures is sound, but they often lose momentum due to familiar challenges like speed and control, as well as overlooked challenges like differences in measuring value and unclear technology ownership.
Successful partnerships, such as Rheinmetall and ICEYE's satellite-manufacturing venture, show what good looks like, with each side bringing something the other cannot easily replicate.
To overcome the challenges, both sides must be clear about what each brings and receives, and agree in advance on the economics and ownership terms. This will be crucial for Europe's procurement ambitions to be met by partnerships built to last.
