The sector aerospace It can be an alternative for the suppliers of theautomotive in crisis commissions. Veneto is trying to channel the production force of its own manufacture through the innovative regional network (RIR). Collaborating with universities and research institutes, companies aim to obtain contracts for highly important projects.
The growth potential of this sector is very significant, also in light of Investments in defense by European countries. The challenges, especially for the space segment, are however significant and the conversion will not be immediate.
RIR and opportunities for companies
The innovative regional network of Veneto has currently 92 adhering. 86 of these are companiesof various sizes and from different segments of the manufacture. The four universities of the Region are then involved, with the scientific coordination of the University of Padua, the CNR Center – Istituto di Fotonica and Nanotechnology and the T2i regional technology transfer center.
The goal is to reach 100 memberships within the first half of 2025, and it would seem a threshold fully at reach. On the waiting list there are in fact already another 15 companiessome from the automotive sector in crisis and interested in converting their production to become suppliers also of the aerospace.
The growth potential is high. The sector in Italy should arrive at a turnover from 4.5 billion euros By 2040, with the creation of 2,400 jobs, including induced, many of which are highly specialized, given the very advanced technological level required by the aerospace industry.
The difficulties of conversion
As seen, however, Land prospects are not immediate. It is no coincidence that the growth horizon is placed at 15 in the future. The aerospace, in particular the space segment, has very high standards not only of technology used, but also of safety. Converting the production of a company that produced cars components takes time.
The president of Rir Federico Zoppas also explained it: “It should be clarified that one cannot think of very short times: space takes years of preparation, and a considerable commitment to certifications necessary. Under these conditions, diversifying in this sector is possible and the opportunities are enormous “he underlined.
The project with Leonardo
Thanks to this collaboration between companies and research, Veneto was one of the first regions to participate in the project Grow togetherpresented at the Farnborough International Airshow. The goal is to create a solid network of Italian suppliers, for the division of Leonardo who produces helicopters.
As the main Italian defense company, and among the most important at European level, Leonardo It represents a logical outlet for many realities that overlook the aerospace sector in search of opportunities and supply contracts. Already 15 companies belonging to the RIR have demonstrated interest for this type of collaboration. Leonardo is considering them as possible suppliers of the components necessary for the production of his helicopters.
