• New strategic partnership connects academia, government, industry and the armed forces, strengthening Hamburg as a European hub for security, innovation and leadership

Hamburg, 13 October 2026 – Hamburg Messe und Congress and Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (HSU/UniBw H) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The aim is a strategic partnership to further develop the Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) as an international platform for dialogue on security, innovation and leadership.

Through this partnership, GSIS gains a key academic partner to expand its scientific network. Together, both institutions aim to strengthen exchange between academia, government, industry, public administration and the armed forces, while further positioning Hamburg as a leading European centre for security dialogue, innovation and strategic networking. A first visible milestone of the partnership will be the GSIS Science Track, “Wissen.Schafft.Sicherheit / Science for Security”, taking place on 9 December 2026. HSU/UniBw H will play an active role in shaping both its academic content and programme.

In addition, the partners intend to develop a Future Leaders Programme, expand academic networks across the North Sea and Baltic Sea regions, and, in the longer term, establish an Academic Council. The objective is to create a lasting network that brings together academia, strategic dialogue, practical decision-making responsibility and the next generation of leaders.

“Europe’s security will increasingly depend on how effectively we connect knowledge, technology and leadership across institutional boundaries. With Helmut Schmidt University, we have an outstanding academic partner in Hamburg. Together, we aim to build a lasting network across the North Sea and Baltic Sea region that extends far beyond the annual Summit and brings together the next generation of leaders,” said Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of GSIS.

Uwe Fischer, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress, added: “Hamburg brings together academic excellence, industry, international connectivity and security expertise in a unique way. Through this partnership, we are strengthening the city’s position and creating a platform where new connections and collaborations can emerge.”

“Security policy challenges cannot be addressed from a single perspective. Academia can help to contextualise developments, reveal connections and enable informed decision-making. Through this partnership, we are bringing this academic perspective directly into GSIS and strengthening the exchange between research and practice,” said Prof. Dr. Klaus Beckmann, President of Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces  Hamburg.

With this agreement, both partners are laying the foundation for a long-term collaboration. Together, they aim to build a resilient network at the intersection of academia, security and innovation, further strengthening Hamburg’s role as a European hub for dialogue on the security challenges of the future.