SME Corner

What is an SME? 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are companies with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of up to €50 million or a balance sheet total of up to €43 million. SMEs are a key driver of innovation, competitiveness and resilience within the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).

How can SMEs engage with EDA?

EDA helps SMEs increase their visibility, find partners and participate in European defence cooperation programmes. Whether you are looking for collaboration opportunities, research activities or consortia for EU-funded projects, EDA offers a number of tools:

Strengthening the SME Environment 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a key source of innovation in the European defence sector. Governments play an important role as regulators, investors in defence research and innovation, and major customers.

Working closely with Member States, EDA helps raise awareness of the value SMEs bring to defence capability development. It also supports efforts to improve SMEs’ access to defence supply chains, cross-border cooperation, and business opportunities.

By facilitating dialogue, sharing best practices, and encouraging collaboration, EDA helps create a more supportive environment where SMEs can grow, innovate, and contribute to a stronger European defence sector.