The ASSETs+ European Defence Challenge (EDC) is a competition open to undergraduate and graduate students from all over Europe on Defence emerging technologies and skills with the aim of increasing awareness on Defence issues among young generation, to reinforce the EU identity and to engage students in active learning experiences.

442 students from 24 different countries and 116 different institutions, have already participated in the three previous editions of the Challenge.

Who can participate

All undergraduate and graduate students from all faculties in European Universities, Vocational Education and Training centres and other institutions dedicated to education.

What is the topic of this edition

 “Leading through Complexity: Effective Management in Defence Environment”. 

More details here.

How to participate

Register on the ASSETs+ website. Students are strongly encouraged to team up in pairs, finding a partner in a different country or institution.

Participants are invited to write a one page proposal that will address strategies and approaches to deal with complexity and uncertainty in projects or operations related to Defence Industry, focusing on the following operative areas:

• Technology Management
• Data Management
• Decision-Making Process
• Risk Management
• Quality Management
• Cost Management
• Battlefield Management
• Dual-Use Management

In the proposal, a new method, strategy or approach, a new combination of existing ones, a new use or a proposed research line, can be presented. Also, ideas about how to best exploit existing methods, strategies or approaches are welcome. The proposal can address technological, economic, political, regulatory, ethical and/or social aspects. The environment addressed in the proposal can be aerial, terrestrial, maritime, space-based or even conceived to operate in cyberspace.

Participants will be welcome to attend several short webinars for supporting the preparation of the reports:

• Lessons learned: tips and tricks from previous editions
• Writing a report: from theory to AI powered tools 
• Management for Defence: deal with complexity and uncertainty

Deadlines

The EDC is structured in two phases. In the first phase participants will develop a one-page proposal on their idea. The deadline for submission of one-page proposals is May 31, 2023. If the proposal is selected for the second phase, the participants will be asked to expand and develop their idea to 10 pages proposal (5000-6000 words) and submit it before midnight CET October 31, 2023.

Prizes

Publication of the best students' works on the ASSETs+ webpage and channels.

Diploma and Awards: Visit at EU institutions, meetings with Defence stakeholders & industrial representatives, technology related gifts.

Special mention for young participants: Award to the best essay presented by students up to 20 years old.

The organizer of the IV edition of the Challenge is University of Pisa.

For more information contact: challenge@assets-plus.eu

The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.