On December 10, 2024, the ECARE project and the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU), in collaboration with the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, successfully hosted an exclusive joint info session in Brussels. The event, which took place at the CAJU headquarters, focused on exploring synergies between European and national/regional research and innovation programs in the aviation sector. With more than 50 participants attending in person, the session provided a dynamic platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among key stakeholders.
The info session was structured into two engaging parts, each emphasizing collaboration opportunities, strategies, and achievements within the aviation sector.
Part 1: Synergies and Regional Contributions
The first part of the session showcased the ECARE project and various aeronautic regions' approaches to establishing synergies with the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Key topics included:
- Alignment of strategies, such as Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3).
- Development and execution of Memoranda of Cooperation.
- Joint roadmaps for achieving "Net-Zero Aviation" goals.
- Innovative cooperation modalities.
Representatives from the regions of Hamburg, Piemonte, and Occitanie shared their experiences and highlighted notable achievements. These regions showcased their efforts in designing and launching regional calls for proposals that align with Clean Aviation objectives. Additionally, key projects stemming from these initiatives were presented, underlining their significant contributions to advancing the aviation sector’s sustainability goals.
Part 2: Coordination and Support Actions
The second part of the session focused on the activities of Coordination and Support Actions launched under Clean Aviation, SESAR JU 3, and Horizon Europe. Topics included:
- Efforts to establish synergies between EU, regional, and national programs.
- Strengthening cooperation between academia and the Air Traffic Management (ATM) industry.
- Supporting networks that facilitate stakeholder participation in Horizon Europe and foster the growth of businesses, especially SMEs, internationally.
The session provided valuable insights into how these programs and networks enable stakeholders to navigate complex funding landscapes and enhance their collaborative efforts.
The event was tailored to a specialized audience, including national and regional public authorities responsible for aviation-related research and innovation strategies, managers and implementers of funding programs aligned with these strategies, members of the Clean Aviation and SESAR 3 States’ representative groups, and representatives of networks supporting the aviation sector.
The joint info session proved to be a unique and impactful platform for exploring and strengthening synergies in aviation research and innovation. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event underscored the importance of collaboration in driving the sector toward a more sustainable and innovative future.
We look forward to building on the momentum generated during this session and invite stakeholders to continue engaging in meaningful collaborations that benefit the aviation industry and beyond.
