The geopolitical situation, technological disruptions and hybrid threats are changing the foundations of security and resilience in business and society. At Secure Tomorrow Summit On September 25, 2025, leading representatives from politics, business and science discussed how companies and the state remain able to act even though the world is becoming increasingly uncertain.

Matthias Berg, Head of Innovation at BME, made it clear that security today means much more than military defense. Cyber attacks, hybrid warfare, disinformation, and critical infrastructure vulnerability require an expanded understanding that integrates domestic politics, economic sovereignty, and cybersecurity. For companies, this means that procurement must become more resilient, flexible and innovation-oriented.

Consequences for purchasing and supply chain

The security policy agenda has direct effects on companies in all sectors — from defense companies to mechanical engineering and automotive to IT and chemicals. The key challenges are:

• Market exploration and innovation scouting: Identify innovative providers early on and integrate them quickly.
• Multi-sourcing and supplier diversification: Reduce dependencies on individual suppliers.
• Compliance and regulation: Comply with complex requirements such as Foreign Trade Act, War Weapons Control Act, ITAR or EAR.
• Qualification standards: Meet standards such as IPC Class 3 or VG 96927.
• Cooperation and networks: Platforms such as the BME Defence Matchmaking Platform create transparency and accelerate onboarding processes.

For purchasing, this means that individual orders, new suppliers and complex compliance requirements cost enormous resources, block strategic tasks and slow down innovation.

How Pedlar supports

Pedlar starts here. With the 1 creditor model All one-time requirements are bundled by a central contact and operational processing is taken over.

For companies in the defense or security-related sector, this means:

• Faster integration of Pedlar as a supplier for all one-time requirements
• Reducing administrative costs and maintaining compliance
• Freedom for strategic tasks

conclusion

Resilience comes from speed, innovative capacity and cooperation. Companies must rethink their purchasing and supply chain processes in order to remain effective. Pedlar helps simplify processes, create capacities for strategic tasks and position purchasing as an indispensable partner.

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