Digital Transformation for Aerospace & Defence Group

Special interest group

Mission

The Aerospace industry is increasingly focused on adopting digital capabilities as a means to drive significant improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and overall competitiveness. As the industry faces growing challenges and evolving demands, digital transformation offers the opportunity to streamline processes, reduce costs, enhance innovation, and improve decision-making.

Our mission is to actively inform, facilitate, and foster the widespread adoption of digital technologies throughout the entire lifecycle of products and services within the Aerospace & Defence sector. This includes everything from design and manufacturing to operations, maintenance, and end-of-life management. By promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the integration of cutting-edge digital solutions, we aim to empower companies within the sector to unlock new levels of performance, sustainability, and growth. Our goal is to ensure that the Aerospace & Defence industry remains at the forefront of technological advancement and continues to lead in innovation and global competitiveness.

Vision

A. To inform an Aerospace Industry which understands the emerging fast-changing Digital Technology landscape, to be able to exploit these for competitive advantage:

The aerospace industry must adopt emerging digital technologies like AI, IoT, big data, and autonomous systems to enhance efficiency, safety, and maintenance. Leveraging these innovations provides a competitive edge, improves products, reduces costs, and accelerates time-to-market. Effective implementation is crucial for staying ahead in a fast-paced market.

B. Raise awareness of security challenges associated with the adoption of digital technologies:

The adoption of digital technologies in aerospace brings security challenges, such as data breaches, ransomware, and system vulnerabilities. A robust cybersecurity framework is essential to protect critical infrastructure, communication systems, and intellectual assets. Aerospace companies must raise awareness of these risks and implement proactive measures, like encryption, threat detection, and employee training, to ensure operational continuity and regulatory compliance while safeguarding their digital transformation.

C. To create a Collaborative Ecosystem to take advantage of A. and B.:

Building a collaborative ecosystem in aerospace involves forming partnerships with technology providers, research institutions, cybersecurity experts, regulators, and industry leaders. This fosters a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges of emerging digital technologies. Collaboration accelerates innovation, ensures security and compliance, and addresses cybersecurity gaps. By working together, companies can co-develop solutions that leverage digital advancements while ensuring a secure, resilient, and sustainable aerospace industry.

Current Strategy

1. To define a set of outputs (events, papers, etc) that furthers the Aerospace’s industry’s understanding and adoption of digital technologies.

2. To share knowledge through events where supply chain companies can learn and be encouraged to adopt digital technologies.

3. To influence UK Government strategy and investment around industrial digitalization, to the needs of the Aerospace industry.

4. To shape existing larger events in this environment, including Advanced Engineering, Industry 4.0 Summit and Farnborough International Air Show.

Steering Group Members

Group strategy and acitivty is directed by a steering group of industry leaders. Their diverse range of knowledge and skills collectively support the aims of education and transformation. You can find out more about them in their videos below.

Key roles