Tomáš Pojar serves as the Vice-Rector for International Relations and Continuing Education at CEVRO University (currently temporarily released from duty). He has a background in diplomatic services and is now serving as the National Security Advisor and advisor to the Prime Minister of the the Czech Republic. We inquired about his views on the advantages of collaboration between the military and business sectors, and the contributions the academic environment can make.
Enhancing a country’s defence capability involves not just the army, but also collaboration with businesses and universities. How would you characterise the present status of these partnerships in this country?
So far, achieving effective collaboration between the government, businesses, universities, and security forces has been somewhat challenging. Nonetheless, it is important to note that the situation is gradually improving. In the context of the army, there are individuals who recognise the need for a shift in mindset. The army is, by nature, a conservative institution where change occurs slowly due to its significant inertia. However, this does not mean that inaction is an option. On the contrary, measures must be taken to enhance these collaborations. The military and the Ministry of Defence require maximum support to improve the situation, and our modern armed forces must ultimately become more interconnected with the evolving needs of modern business and the labour market. Compared to the past, the military now requires a significantly greater number of IT specialists and other university-trained experts among its ranks. Furthermore, the military can offer a solid foundation for these individuals, providing an excellent starting environment for securing future positions in leading companies after they complete their military service. Over a decade ago, I was involved in creating a postgraduate MBA programme at CEVRO University focused on cybersecurity management. At the time, this was a pioneering field in the Czech context; not only was such a programme previously unavailable, but there was also limited recognition that cybersecurity entails not just IT but also effective human management. Several hundred students have completed this programme, many of whom now work within our nation’s security forces.
The defence industry is experiencing rapid growth within the economy. Do you believe the army can provide significant contracts to this sector?
I have long advocated that the Czech defence industry should be the primary supplier to the army where it makes sense and where our companies have something to offer. The Czech military is undoubtedly a key customer, but it is a fact that our arms manufacturers have significantly larger sales elsewhere. I have also said for a long time that the more robust our arms industry becomes and the more production takes place domestically, the stronger our national security will be. Therefore, it is in the Czech Republic’s interest to see growth in domestic arms manufacturing. I believe that with the gradual increase in defence spending, it will be possible to invest these resources wisely and significantly into the Czech economy.
You are a key advocate for the ammunition initiative aimed at supporting Ukraine. How involved are Czech companies in this initiative?
The ammunition initiative has strengthened our relationships with allies such as the United States, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It has channelled substantial funds into the Czech industry – totalling EUR three billion, or CZK seventy-five billion, from just the Netherlands and Denmark. This infusion has enhanced our competitiveness, boosted employment, and increased contributions to the Czech budget. Moreover, the ammunition initiative provides Czech companies with opportunities to compete not only for defence contracts but also for key infrastructure projects in Western European nations that are investing significantly in defence.
Thank you for the interview.
