Milan -“The main obstacles to European defense integration are not technological, but cultural and political.” Lina Alberico, Sales Director of Railway and Defense at Engineering and General Manager of Engineering Belgium believes the technological capabilities for effective security integration exist, thanks to tools such as those proposed by Engineering. The digital transition is also crucial in defense, and the European Union, which now has the sector at the top of its priorities, is realizing this.
Eunews: What do you specialize in?
Lina Alberico: Engineering is Italy’s leading Digital Transformation Company, continuously expanding worldwide, with about 14,000 employees and over 80 offices across Europe, the US, and South America. The Engineering Group, comprising over 70 companies in 21 countries, has been supporting companies and organizations in continuously evolving the way they work and operate for over 40 years, thanks to a deep understanding of business processes in all market segments and by exploiting the opportunities offered by advanced digital technologies and proprietary solutions.
E.: What role can European industry play in the path towards a new common defense plan?
L.A.: European industry, which has excellent skills, can play a key role in the Readiness 2030 program. However, for this to happen, there needs to be joint governance that seeks to pool the experience and knowledge gained in the individual domains and an integrated direction, operating with a multi-domain approach in a strategic manner, enhancing the expertise of individual member countries in specific areas.
E.: What do you think should be the main focus of investment?
L.A.: European common information exchange platforms, as is already the case in the civil sector. To enable fast and accurate decisions, each country should be able to represent its excellence and share data in a secure and interoperable manner with other stakeholders.
E.: Do you think there are any obstacles that currently slow European defense integration (technological delays, regulations, funding, differences between states, etc.)? If so, how do you think they can be overcome?
L.A.: The main obstacles are not so much technological as cultural and political. Europe was born primarily and foremost on a unified financial model, and ideas of common defense have been set aside. Unfortunately, we only start thinking about solutions when problems arise, lacking planning and vision. Each European country has its own rules that need to be overcome to reach a joint vision. This process requires time and strong will, which has been lacking in recent years, and perhaps the needs of the moment can speed it up.
E.: How important is innovation for you? What projects are you working on and what contribution can they make to the industry?
L.A.: Innovation is an indispensable pillar for Engineering. New technologies have transformed every aspect of our lives and today they represent a strategic opportunity for the defense sector as well. We are investing in key areas such as artificial intelligence, generative AI, blockchain, and quantum technologies, as well as valuing satellite data, including communication. Our goal is to make these tools accessible and effective, even for personnel less familiar with digital technologies, thus helping accelerate the operational evolution of the industry.
E.: Your sector requires specialized skills: how important is it for you to invest in human resources? Do you have difficulties finding suitable figures in the Italian landscape?
L.A.: In a rapidly changing market such as Defense, where specialized skills are vital, investing in people is a strategic priority that requires vision, resources, and continuity. Attracting and retaining qualified talent is a challenge, also due to the high competition between public and private players. I am thinking, for example, of the migration of military personnel to industrial realities, which puts a strain on an administration already under pressure.
E.: Does your company specialize in other technology areas besides defense and security? How do the different segments communicate with each other, creating synergies?
L.A.: Engineering is a key player in building digital ecosystems to connect different markets, developing modular solutions for continuous business transformation.
Being present for over 40 years in all market segments (from finance to healthcare, from utilities to manufacturing, and many others) has allowed us to build a deep understanding of business needs and to anticipate them by constantly exploring the technological evolution in particular AI & Advanced Analytics, Blockchain, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Digital Experience, Digital Twin, Intelligent Automation and IoT.
E.: How has public opinion changed towards the security industry? Do you perceive a different sensitivity?
L.A.: As always, there are different opinions on the subject. Personally, I see a greater interest among young people in the topics and a willingness to be part of the system. I think this applies not only to security in the traditional sense but also to cybersecurity because it shows, with immediate timing, the damage that can be done to systems and things if you are not prepared. There is definitely more openness and willingness to understand.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
