Defense, Technology and Innovation – Open Side Event

An open meeting hosted by the Office of Innovation and Intellectual Property at the University of Iceland and the Institute of International Affairs at the University of Iceland, in cooperation with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The aim of the meeting is to promote informed discussion about NATO’s role and the interplay between defense, technology, and innovation in a time of increasing uncertainty in international affairs. The event is a side session to the NATO TIDE Hackathon (NATO Allied Command Transformation, ACT). Special emphasis will be placed on dual-use solutions, hybrid threats, and the relationship between civilian technological development and security considerations. The meeting will also address the impact of a changing global landscape on Iceland’s innovation environment, as well as the societal and ethical challenges posed by rapid technological development in an unstable international context.

ACT is a strategic command within NATO responsible for the Alliance’s future development, including innovation, research, and the advancement of knowledge in security and defense. The meeting will also discuss the role of universities and the research community in this context and the opportunities arising from increased international cooperation.

The TIDE Hackathon will be held at Gróska in Mýrinn from February 23–27, bringing together experts in defense, technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and innovation to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges facing the Alliance.

Program

09:00–09:05 – Welcome remarks by Pia Hansson, Director of the Institute of International Affairs at the University of Iceland

09:05–09:20 – Opening keynote, Patrick Ratier, Head of the Civil International Engagement Division at NATO ACT and former French Defense Attaché to Iceland

09:20–10:05 – Panel discussion

• Sóley Kaldal, Risk Management and Security Engineer

• Þorvarður Sveinsson, CEO of Farice

• Bjarki Þór Sigvarðsson, Head of Situational Awareness at CERT-IS

• Jón Geir Pétursson, Professor of Environment and Natural Resources

Moderator: Bjarni Bragi Kjartansson, Political Scientist

10:05–10:15 – Closing remarks by Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Rector of the University of Iceland

The meeting will be conducted in Icelandic, except for Patrick Ratier’s keynote.

Light refreshments will be served from 8:30.

All are welcome. Please register here.