It's precisely because aerospace is a global industry that we need a national strategy - to secure the UK's position in the global market. The National Aerospace Technology Strategy (NATS) identifies the highest priority collaborative research and technology needed to protect and grow that position. It enables the entire supply chain to identify and align with the critical areas that need to be developed within the sector.
A strongly supported national strategy will ensure that the UK remains a natural choice for high value-added activity by global companies that have options over the location of new investments.
What has stimulated a revision of the Strategy? The Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team initiative gave rise to the Strategy in 2002. Much has changed since, including new competitors from emerging economies, a renewed realisation of the importance of high value-added manufacturing to the UK economy, even greater awareness of the scale of the environmental challenge and the election of a new Government.
Whilst the technology roadmaps within the Strategy have been continually updated, the extent to which the external landscape has changed makes a comprehensive refresh extremely timely.
What has the Strategy achieved? Its success is most clearly demonstrated by the positions UK industry has secured on major platforms such as the Airbus A350 XWB, the Bombardier Cseries, the F-35 and the Future Lynx helicopter. Without the programmes delivered through Strategy, the UK wouldn't be in a position to offer the world-class technology needed to be a major participant in these global enterprises.
We also shouldn't forget the considerable spin-out and spill-over of aerospace technologies throughout the non-aerospace supply chain which further benefits the UK economy.
How will the relationship between the Aerospace Technology Steering Group (ATSG) and the new Government develop? The Government, alongside industry and academia, is a stakeholder in ATSG. A strong aerospace sector is an important contributor to the UK economy, delivering exports worth £14 billion annually. I'm confident the new Government recognises this and will engage with ATSG and the Strategy to ensure that focused and consistent investment from all stakeholders sustains the world-leading capabilities that will enable the UK to profit from the continuing growth in the aerospace sector.
In terms of delivering the strategy, there are four key areas where new focus is required: 1) The required investment profile presents a significant challenge to all stakeholders in the current economic climate. We need to be creative in securing the maximum technological advantage for the UK at a time when other nations continue to increase investment. 2) Alongside the focus of the Strategy on collaborative R&T programmes, ATSG will seek innovative approaches to creating and securing the key national facilities and infrastructure (which are currently at risk) upon which the programmes depend. 3) Launching large research programmes is a complex process with many collaborators and government agencies involved. ATSG will identify mechanisms through which such programmes can be launched more efficiently; time to market is the vital component. 4) The lengthy technology lifecycle in aerospace requires sound early technology investment decisions. ATSG will continue to drive for more effective coordination of low maturity technology research in the UK university base and better coordination between the civil and defence sectors.
Are we doing enough to consolidate the UK's position and secure a growing share of the future market opportunity? We've done a lot, and the direction of travel in recent years has been extremely positive. If we can maintain the momentum which has been established, then the answer should be a cautious ‘Yes'.
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