AILEEN at the ENDR Conference in Gijón 2026

The AILEEN project was featured at the European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR) Conference 2026 in Gijón—an event co-organized by ENDR, DG DEFIS, and the Asturias Defence Hub—contributing to vital European discussions on advanced manufacturing, systems integration, and workforce skills for defence.

During the panel "Skills for Defence: A Conversation on Talent, Manufacturing and Digital Transformation," Adelaide Almeida (EWF) and Paula Queipo Rodríguez (IDONIAL) shared key insights on how educational pathways and talent development must evolve alongside rapid technological change.

A central focus of AILEEN's contribution was the critical role of regional defence and innovation clusters:
• Uniting the Ecosystem: Connecting local industry, vocational training providers, and research centers is essential to rapidly adapt training to real-world technological shifts.
• Building Strategic Capabilities: Regional hubs—like the Asturias Defence Hub—serve as vital launchpads for upskilling, ensuring European regions can effectively meet the growing demand for specialized aerospace and defence competencies.
• Driving Vocational Excellence: Aligning regional talent needs with broader European standards ensures a resilient, mobile, and future-ready workforce across borders.

By bringing AILEEN's mission to the ENDR stage, the project reinforced how regional collaboration and vocational excellence directly support Europe's strategic autonomy in advanced manufacturing.