The 2024 edition of the NATO-accredited Centres Of Excellence has just been released.
The annual catalogue of Centres Of Excellence has emerged as a highly popular platform for showcasing the Centres’ expertise, not only within NATO bodies but also among different stakeholders. This success is attributed to the dedicated efforts of the community of 29 NATO-accredited Centres Of Excellence, soon to become 30 with the accreditation of the Climate Change and Security Centre Of Excellence, which has demonstrated resilience in addressing contemporary challenges through innovative initiatives, preserving its diverse expertise for the benefit of the Alliance.
The primary objective of the catalogue is to enhance understanding of the nature and value of NATO Centres Of Excellence within the Alliance. Additionally, the promotional tools aim to explain the creation process of these centres and, crucially, provide insights into how their support can be requested.
A NATO-accredited Centre of Excellence is an entity sponsored by one or more nations, offering recognized expertise within a defined subject area for the benefit of the Alliance. Established based on an idea originating in 2003, these entities, which are not part of NATO’s Command Structure, must conform to NATO procedures, avoid duplication, and maintain relationships with Strategic Commands and partners. Centres Of Excellence demonstrate expertise in four pillars:
- Education, Training, Exercise and Evaluation,
- Analysis and Lessons Learned,
- Concept Development and Experimentation, and
- Doctrine Development and Standardization.
There are three different types of supporters for Centres of Excellence: “Framework Nations”, “Sponsoring Nations” and “Contributing Nations”. Generally, a Framework Nation agrees to take on the responsibility of developing the concept and implementation of the Centre of Excellence. In addition, it agrees to provide physical space for the operation of the Centre of Excellence, as well as personnel to run the institution. Sponsoring Nations contribute financially to the Centre of Excellence and provide personnel, whose salary they cover. Contributing Nations may provide financial support or some other service that is of use to the functioning of the Centre of Excellence.
The growing number of NATO Centres of Excellence, governed by the Military Committee Concept and accreditation criteria, proves to be a successful model, supporting NATO Command and Force Structures through a robust network of nationally or multi-nationally managed and funded entities open for participation by NATO and Partner Nations.
Find more on the Centres of Excellence in the 2024 Centres of Excellence catalogue now accessible on Allied Command Transformation and NATO Headquarters websites.