Brussels. The first IPC Field Trip, held from May 4 to 6, 2026, as part of the continuing education master’s program in International Procurement Cooperation (IPC) at HSU/UniBw H, took students to Brussels. While there, they met with international experts from the fields of research, the military, politics, and industry and gained insights into current challenges facing European security and defense policy as well as international procurement.
Day 1: Strategic Perspectives on European Defense
The first day focused on the strategic framework of European security and defense policy and began with welcoming remarks from political, administrative, and military leaders—including University President Prof. Dr. Klaus Beckmann—at the Hanse-Office, the representative office of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein to the European Union.
The focus was on key instruments such as European defense industry policy, the European Global Strategy, and the Strategic Compass. It became clear that translating political objectives into concrete measures poses a challenge.
Presentations by the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Defense Agency (EDA) provided context for current developments and, at the same time, highlighted a growing willingness to cooperate within Europe.
The day concluded with an informal gathering at the Royal Military Museum/War Heritage Institute, during which Prof. Dr. Christina Schaefer, Vice President for International Affairs at HSU/UniBw H, delivered a welcoming address.
Day 2: Implementation and European Cooperation
On the second day, the focus was on the practical implementation of European defense initiatives. Representatives from international organizations such as the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), and the European Defense Agency (EDA) provided insights into programs and cooperation models.
The focus was on:
- joint procurement processes
- the role of the stakeholders involved
- Funding and Innovation Issues
The discussion focused on how cooperation among member states is organized in practice and what contribution the EU makes to building strategic capabilities.
Day 3: Operational Insights and Best Practices
The third day focused on operational perspectives and national viewpoints. Representatives from the countries where the current IPC students come from (Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, and Bulgaria) contextualized current developments within their respective contexts.
A concluding panel discussion on the topic “International Procurement Cooperation – Best Practices” brought together experiences from various sectors, including air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The discussion focused on the factors that contribute to the success of international procurement projects.
Exchange and Classification
The IPC Field Trip highlighted the importance of international and interdisciplinary cooperation for the further development of security and procurement structures in Europe. In addition to technical insights, the event focused on personal exchanges.
The participants expanded their knowledge, gained practical insights, and made international connections.
Interested in the IPC master’s program?
The International Procurement Cooperation (IPC) Master’s program is designed for professionals and executives in the fields of procurement and security. If you’re interested, we invite you to apply for the third IPC cohort, which will begin its studies on November 1, 2026!
Application deadline: June 30, 2026