Aeronautics: taking the Strategic Research Agenda forward

Brussels, 30 March 2005

The Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe presents the second edition of its Strategic Research Agenda (SRA-2) today in Brussels. Two years after the launch of this R&D plan for the aeronautic sector, its scope and ambition is greatly enhanced by addressing a number of different scenarios for the future of Europe’s air transport sector and providing a detailed technical review of the technologies needed. In a time when air traffic is growing steadily and world-wide competition puts heavy pressure on European industry, the SRA-2 provides a common reference for research and technological development for all players.

“ACARE has truly become a symbol of consensus building and cooperation within the aeronautics sector,” said Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, speaking at the ACARE Aerodays. “Industrial leadership in ACARE ensures its focus on potential future markets for key technologies and gives the necessary impulse to realise Europe’s potential in cutting edge technologies. The aeronautics sector continues to be one of Europe’s flagship R&D domains and it will continue to play an important part in the Community’s Framework Programme.”

The Strategic Research Agenda provides a vision of the technology requirements of the air transport sector looking 20 years ahead. The Agenda sets out a comprehensive and coherent set of technology needs compiled by executives from a cross-section of the air transport community and provides a strong guide to the technologies that future programmes of research need to include.

Based on a series of possible scenarios for the development of air traffic in the coming decades, the SRA-2 lays out concepts for an air transport system that is highly customer oriented, highly time- and cost-efficient, environmentally responsible and safe for its users. These concepts then make it possible to identify the various challenges for the relevant technologies.

Today 3.1 million people are employed in the air transport industry in Europe. Traffic growth is expected to double in 15 years and lead to air transport contributing up to 13% of Europe’s GDP. A thriving aerospace industry is a key factor in helping Europe meet the Lisbon goal of becoming the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world. The ACARE Technology Platform and its Strategic Research Agenda play a crucial role in enhancing the use and efficiency of European and national investment and better co-operation between public and private efforts.

ACARE was launched in 2001. It has 39 members including representatives from EU Member States, EUROCONTROL, the Commission, the EU aeronautics industry and users. ACARE meets several times a year, with the primary mission to define and implement the aeronautics strategic research agenda.

For further information please visit the following websites:

ACARE /The Strategic Research Agenda 2 (SRA-2)

http://www.acare4europe.org/

EU aeronautics research policy

http://europa.eu.int/comm/research /aeronautics

“European Aeronautics: Vision for 2020”

http://e uropa.eu.int/comm/research/aeronautics/policy/vision2020_en.html

Item source: IP/05/367 Date: 30/03/2005 Previous Item Back to Titles Print Item