New Features of the NATO Centres of Excellence in Support of the North-Atlantic Alliance Transformation

The number of NATO Centres of Excellence (COEs) has constantly increased, covering further disciplines of interest for NATO capability development. Meanwhile, the involvement of participating nations in COEs augmented, as a proof of the added value COEs bring not only to NATO, but to the involved nations - key stakeholders of these ventures – as well. The quantitative aspect of the NATO COEs network status is complemented by qualitative dimensions describing the current and projected work of the Centres. Their activity aims at top contribution within the four pillars their programs of work cover – doctrine development and standardization, concept development and experimentation, education and training, or lessons learned management. In this respect, this paper further investigates recent developments on the COEs network’s stage, where acquiring Quality Assurance seal and accreditation as Education and Training Facilities for NATO, or even more achieving the Department Head status for the disciplines they cover, is a real mark of excellence and an indicator of successful entrepreneurship.