CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

The Digital Baltic Junior Conference is dedicated to young researchers from the European Union and NATO countries. During the conference, 12–16 academic papers will be presented by students and PhD candidates from universities across the Baltic Sea region as well as other NATO and EU member states. The best presentations will be evaluated by the established Committee of the Digital Baltic Junior Conference.

A moderated discussion on the prospects for building operational capabilities to ensure security in the Baltic Sea region. Taking into consideration the strategic conditions of the Baltic Sea region and the necessity to intensify international cooperation, this workshop will focus on developing solutions in the following areas:

• ⚬ Monitoring capabilities — development of integrated real-time reconnaissance and situational awareness systems (radars, satellites, sonar systems, drones) and the creation of data exchange systems among Allies (e.g., NATO Maritime Situational Awareness).
• ⚬ Integration of civilian and military forces – creation of joint crisis response structures involving armed forces, coast guard, and civilian security agencies.

A moderated discussion on managing situational awareness in terms of information sources and its ownership. This workshop will explore various aspects of information management, including sources and types of information, its significance, access, distribution, and governance. The goal is to develop recommendations regarding technology, international cooperation, legal regulations, and training to enhance situational awareness in the Baltic Sea region.

A moderated discussion on technological solutions (including dual-use technologies) for countering threats and ensuring the security of critical maritime infrastructure and broader, the Baltic region. The discussion will focus on key technologies for monitoring, protecting, and managing critical maritime infrastructure, such as AI, ML, IoT, 5G, SATCOM, IMINT, ELINT, SIGINT, UxV, data fusion, cybersecurity and others). It will also address the need for international and cross-sectoral collaboration in implementing and integrating new technological solutions.

The Community Workshop aims to foster a network of stakeholders interested in strengthening the protection of maritime critical infrastructure. This workshop will provide an opportunity for matchmaking meetings, which are expected to facilitate the formation of industrial consortia for projects under the European Defence Agency (EDA), European Defence Fund (EDF), and Horizon Europe.