Enterprises in the aerospace network to find new markets

There are now 15 companies on the list for possible membership of RIR, the Veneto Regional Innovative Network dedicated to the aerospace sector. What is surprising, more than the number in itself, is the type of applications that are arriving in greater numbers than in previous years: "More and more often these are companies that are not already involved in the sector, but which see a significant possibility of finding new opportunities in the face of traditional markets that are shrinking or becoming more complicated," explains Rir president Federico Zoppas. Those who make components for the automotive industry - to give an example - and see their market shrinking can think about reconverting to design and manufacture components for satellites, with significant growth prospects. "This is a feasible operation, but it must be made clear that one cannot think in a very short time frame: space requires years of preparation, and a considerable commitment to the necessary certifications. Under these conditions, diversifying in this sector is possible and the opportunities are enormous,' emphasises Zoppas.

And then there is the supply game, in which Veneto can bring to bear - particularly in the field of space instrumentation - the region's specificity in high-precision engineering and innovation. A study by the Venice Sustainability Foundation (VSF) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) highlights Veneto's current industrial capabilities and the potential impact they have on the space sector: one of the most industrially advanced and economically dynamic manufacturing fabrics, with a strong tradition of adaptability and innovation, which over the decades has evolved from the more traditional manufacturing sector to a leading position in high-tech industries. With this in mind, the region was one of the first to take part in the initiative - presented at the last Farnborough International Airshow - to present the preliminary results of the 'Crescere Insieme' (Growing Together) project to representatives of the Italian districts and regions, an initiative aimed at developing a solid network of Italian suppliers to strengthen the aerospace supply chain of Leonardo's Helicopters division. There are currently already 15 companies in the Veneto region that have shown interest and are being evaluated by Leonardo as possible suppliers of the subsystems required for the project.

In the meantime, the Regional Innovative Aerospace Network 'AIR - Aerospace Innovation and Research' is aiming to reach 100 members in the first half of the year, and is proposed as a true 'ecosystem' in which public bodies, universities, research centres and companies work together. The numbers say that there are currently 92 recognised partners: 86 companies in the region, including large and medium-small companies, the four universities in the region with the scientific coordination of the University of Padua (which has more than doubled its enrolment in Aerospace Engineering since Rir Air was founded), the CNR - Institute of Photonics and Nanotechnology and the regional technology transfer centre T2i. Enough to make Veneto - after the leaders Lazio and Piedmont - one of the main regions in Italy in the aerospace sector, which moves around EUR 2 billion in turnover and employs more than 5 thousand people in 86 companies. The economic potential is estimated at EUR 4.5 billion by 2040 with the creation of 2,400 new highly qualified jobs including the induced market.