Defence Standardization Advice (DSA), a leading private company specialising in Defence and Security Standardisation Capacity Building Programmes, successfully participated in the highly regarded “NATO USE OF CIVIL STANDARDS” workshop, held at the Hellenic Armed Forces Officers’ Club in Athens from 11 to 13 February 2025.

The workshop theme “Civil as possible, Military only as necessary” focused on strengthening the relationships between defence and civil standardisation communities in Emerging and Disruptive Technologies and on implementing specific provisions outlined in NATO Standardisation Policy. It attracted high-profile attendees from International and European Defence and Civil standardisation Authorities. 

DSA’s stand during the workshop

Among the notable participants were representatives from the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), the European Commission’s DG DEFIS, NATO International Staff/Defence Investment Division, NATO Science and Technology Organization, NATO Digital Policy Staff and the NATO Standardization Office, the European Defence Agency, major Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs) and other engaging Organizations such as ISO. IEC. ASTM International, SAE International, ETSI, EUROCAE, EUROCONTROL, DIGITALEUROPE, DIN, SIS, as well as Industry leaders, universities and private entities.

During the event, DSA actively engaged with defence and security stakeholders and SDOs, showcasing its expertise in interoperability and defence standardisation capacity building. At its dedicated stand, DSA unveiled its newly developed Digital Knowledge Reinforcement Tools (app) and a Serious Game-type interactive learning approach, created in partnership with the Norwegian company House of Knowledge (HoK). 

DSA’s Serious Game in closet collaboration with HoK

These tools support NATO’s standardization training efforts, particularly for the NATO Accredited Standardization Courses and training activities conducted by Warsaw Military University of Technology (MUT/WAT), the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) and the NATO International Staff/Defence Investment Division.

DSA’s founder, Nikolaos Myriounis, alongside his associates, showcased the company’s comprehensive portfolio of services to key experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The company’s mission aligns with its vision: “Interoperability by Design”.

Also read: DSA | Successfully concluded the NMIOTC Resident Course 25000, “Drafting Production and Maintenance of NATO Standards”

As a recognised member of the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defence Materiel Association (SEKPY) and an accredited mentor by NATO DIANA, DSA is dedicated to addressing the challenges of emerging defence standardisation. Through its services, DSA supports a diverse audience, including defence and security organizations, industries, academia, and standards development organizations (SDOs).

With a commitment to knowledge transfer and capacity building, DSA delivers a range of professional services, including training modules, serious games, e-learning, mentoring, and consulting. The company also facilitates EDF-HE partnerships and interoperability studies, strengthening defence and security initiatives worldwide.

Strategic Collaborations

                          ETSI-DSA Meeting

On the sidelines of the workshop, DSA Founder Mt Nikolaos Myriounis met with Ms. Claire d’ESCLERCS, Director of Membership Development and Education at ETSI, to discuss the continuation of the successful cooperation between DSA and ETSI on education about defence standardisation. 

The ETSI – DSA cooperation aims to introduce capacity-building programs on the use of civil standards in the defence sector. Through dedicated training videos, DSA and ETSI aim to promote the adoption of civil standards in defence programs and procurement legislation. The benefits of this integration are highlighted in the first ETSI-DSA video, now available online HERE.

DSA Founder Mr. Nikolaos Myriounis also held discussions with High Level Executives from ASTM International, SAR International, EUROCONTROL and the Ministry of Defence of France on potential future cooperation in capacity building programs on Defence Standardisation.

DSA’s Associates

DSA’s Associates

DSA’s impact on the workshop was reinforced by its esteemed associates, including:

• Mr. Magnus Hakvåg, CEO of House of Knowledge (HoK)

• Dr. Susann Lüdtke, Founder & CEO of Lüdtke Intelligence & Analytics (L.I.A.)

• Mr. Athanasios Tsakalos, EDF-HE Projects Manager

With an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers, networking sessions, panel discussions, and side meetings, the workshop provided an excellent opportunity for DSA to further its mission of advancing defence and security standardisation through knowledge sharing and innovation.

Also read: HNDGS | “Drafting, Production and Maintenance of NATO Standards and Doctrines” at NMIOTC – VIDEO