In David Cameron’s first major speech as Prime Minister in May 2010 he addressed the need to “rebalance the [UK] economy” by “supporting growing industries … including aerospace, pharmaceuticals, high-value manufacturing, high-tech engineering, low carbon technology and knowledge based businesses”.

Recent market research has highlighted some of the key growth sectors in this area, including the rapidly expanding UK space industry supply chain, future narrow (A320/B737) and wide (B787/A350)  bodied aircraft (in which the UK is seeking a 10% manufacturing share), the F-35 fighter, military transport systems (A400M/C-130J) and the anticipated proliferation of civil mini/micro UAVs. Growth is being driven both by the rapidly expanding carriers of the middle and far east and the European ‘flag carriers’ seeking to drive down cost through the procurement of fuel efficient fleets.

How UK aerospace can respond to such a challenge against a backdrop of defence reviews and budget cuts was a key theme of the 2011 conference of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium on 6 July. A variety of high profile speakers from industry and Government, including Airbus, Boeing and BAE Systems (including EADS’ Robin Southwell and ADS’ Ian Godden) emphasised the importance of sustained investment in research and technology, saying that investment in innovation is needed if UK industry is to keep pace with the emerging economies of China and India.

The unified voice of Industry has been a key driver of this ‘innovation agenda’ - working collaboratively with government and academia to create a set of national roadmaps aimed at prioritising investment in R&D through National Technology Strategies for both the Aerospace and Space industries. Helios in particular has been closely involved in both of these initiatives over recent years; particularly in the areas of Air Traffic Management and Space through working with TSB; the Aerospace, Aviation and Defence KTN; and the UK National Space Agency.

Positive news on investment in various schemes are beginning to emerge, such as:

• the £10m extra funding for the UK Space Agency
• the launch of the International Space Innovation Centre (ISIC)
• the establishment of the Aerospace Growth Partnership

Industry and its research partners must now leverage this investment to inject world-class products and services into the global market and kick-start sustainable and self-perpetuating innovation. After all, it has been done before.

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