Federica Valente is Manager of the Hub for EU Defence Innovation (HEDI) at the European Defence Agency. In this role, she has been instrumental in designing and managing the Hub’s portfolio since its inception, driving its strategic direction, overseeing its deployment and leading a dedicated team. She is responsible for coordinating relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and contributes to shaping the Agency’s Technology Watch and Foresight agenda aimed at anticipating technological developments relevant to European defence.
With more than 15 years of experience in the defence sector, Ms. Valente has held a variety of roles including researcher, programme manager and business development lead. Prior to joining the European Defence Agency, she worked at the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), where she managed key stakeholder relationships across Europe, the United States and South-East Asia, contributing to the organisation’s international outreach and business development. Her work focused on research and technology projects, short-cycle innovation initiatives, defence procurement analysis and operational studies. During this period, she also authored research papers, participated in NATO panels and advised the Netherlands Ministry of Defence on European defence funding instruments such as PADR, EDIDP and the European Defence Fund.
Alongside her professional activities, Ms. Valente contributes to initiatives supporting innovation and leadership in Europe. She serves as a mentor in the European Innovation Council Women Leadership Programme, supporting emerging female leaders in innovation, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the International School of Brussels. Through these roles, she contributes strategic guidance and promotes the development of leadership and innovation ecosystems in Europe.
