Strengthening civil aviation R&I: key messages for the future EU Framework Programme

The Association of European Research Establishments in Aeronautics (EREA), the Aerospace, Security & Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) and the European Aeronautics Science Network (EASN) have decided to speak with a common voice and to join their forces to provide all support to make this programme successful. 

1. The European FP for R&I (Horizon Europe and its successor) is the key European instrument for implementing European visions and strategies, supporting cross-border cooperation, maintaining and developing European competitiveness and autonomy in key strategic sectors, such as aviation. 

2. Dedicated and strong EU programme for Research and Innovation, FP10, in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), with dedicated partnerships and collaborative research. 

3. The programme to be prepared in an open, inclusive and transparent way. 

4. Dedicated funding instruments for civil aviation with a substantial increased budget for civil aviation research within FP10 compared to Horizon Europe. 

5. Increased and well aligned funding so that all elements of the civil aviation ecosystem can be supported (universities, research centres, aircraft and engine manufacturers, system integrators and supply chain companies/SMEs. 

6. Coherent strategic definition/aviation strategy, with a focus on integration across both FP10 and the entire TRL spectrum, encompassing the whole R&I chain: universities, research centres, industry (including SMEs) and regulators for a strong and well-balanced system, with appropriate balance between bottom-up and top-down approaches. 

7. Steady funding mechanisms and implementation actions are necessary - e.g. institutional partnerships (when relevant, Public Private Partnerships fostering collaborative ecosystems) – that foster high-quality collaboration, lasting multi-disciplinary, cross-sectorial and cross- border cooperation, and funding optimization to deliver the complex products of civil aviation value chain and trigger private investment. 

8. Easy-to-use instruments with light and simplified administrative procedures for the benefit of participants. 

9. Continuous high-quality training of young and established generations of engineers to increase the sector attractiveness.