LaSER researcher Roberts Kits participated in the academic conference “Building European Strategic Autonomy Through Unmanned Systems and Human-Centric Defence Innovation”, held as part of Drone Summit 2026.
During the conference, Roberts Kits presented his research on the relationship between deterrence strategy and defence innovation support mechanisms in Latvia since 2018. His presentation explored how changes in the security environment have shaped national support for defence innovation and how deterrence strategy has contributed to the development of new defence technologies and innovation support mechanisms in Latvia.
The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, and defence industry experts to discuss the role of unmanned systems and human-centred defence innovation in strengthening European strategic autonomy and responding to emerging security challenges. The academic conference was organised by Riga Technical University, with the support of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the State Defence Logistics and Procurement Centre.
More information about the conference is available here.
Foto: RTU.lv