Spain is one of the world’s leading “aerospace” countries

Since its foundation, TEDAE (the Spanish Association of Defense, Security, Aeronautics and Space Technology Companies) has played an outstanding role aimed at boosting the Spanish technological industry in strategic sectors and developing and positioning these industries on an international level. Consequently, the organisation has brought together major companies committed to technological excellence and innovation. In this interview, César Ramos, general director of TEDAE, talks about the challenges and opportunities faced by the Spanish aerospace sector and underscores how crucial innovation and collaboration are to further its international projection.

1.- In a global and increasingly competitive environment, what role do you think will be played by technological innovation to strengthen and boost the Spanish aerospace sector over the next few years?

Technological innovation is a fundamental pillar to reinforce the leadership role played by the Spanish aerospace sector so it can become more competitive in an increasingly demanding global environment. In this respect, Spain is one of the world’s leading “aerospace” countries.

This position is underpinned by a solid R&D&I approach. In 2023, the aerospace industry spent 1.59 billion euros on research, development and innovation, a figure that accounts for approximately 18% of the total Spanish industrial investments in this area. Thanks to this innovative capability, it is now possible to develop new materials, more efficient propulsion systems and technological solutions that can address key challenges such as decarbonisation, digitisation or sustainable aviation.

Innovation, therefore, will not only make the sector more competitive but also reinforce the role Spain must play as a key stakeholder in the European and global aerospace industry.

2.- How do you view the collaboration between public institutions, technology centres such as Tekniker and private companies to develop competitive aerospace solutions?

Public-private collaborative actions are crucial to develop competitive and high-valued added solutions for the aerospace business. A close cooperation involving the administration, universities, technology centres —such as Tekniker— and corporations will serve to speed up innovation, optimise resources and strengthen the international standing of the Spanish industry.

Joint actions must be coordinated to avoid losing opportunities and properly develop capabilities in the sector to address large-scale projects, to gain access to advanced infrastructures and to intensify the transfer of knowledge. This will reinforce training for highly qualified talent and boost investments in in the area of R&D&I to guarantee Spain’s active and direct involvement in leading European programmes.

It is therefore crucial to incorporate more capabilities and involve all the actors in the ecosystem to build an aerospace industry that is more innovative, resilient and competitive to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

3.- Which strategy do you believe Spain should follow to become an outstanding player in the aerospace industry in a European context?

Spain’s strategy must focus on playing the role of an active partner in international programmes and consortiums by becoming increasingly involved in major European initiatives and leading some of them. Spain, in fact, has more than enough industrial capacity to maintain its status as an essential asset in outstanding projects thanks to the expertise of its companies that are supported by a highly qualified value chain.

Consequently, we believe that it is paramount to support internationalisation and technological development by providing long-term public aid to ensure that Spanish companies may eventually become leaders in key areas such as sustainability, digitisation and new materials. This would allow Spain to consolidate its strategic autonomy in the European and global aerospace industry and provide a level playing field to compete with other companies and countries.

4.- How do you think a seminar such as “Inspiring innovation for Aerospace” will help to boost this sector?

Basically, by bringing together all the stakeholders involved in our industry so they can be given better information, share strategies, optimise efforts and transform our country so it may become one of the world’s most outstanding players. It will also provide a meeting point where traditional industrial firms and new start-ups will be able to explore collaborative environments.

The Spanish strategy aimed at becoming a relevant actor in the European aerospace industry requires playing a more active role and joining major international consortiums and programmes. Thanks to Spain’s solid industrial base, highly specialised companies and its competitive value chain, the country is now able to play the role of a reliable and strategic partner that is ready to deal with large-scale initiatives.

It is equally crucial to reinforce the sector’s internationalisation and speed up technological developments in key areas such as sustainability, digitisation, new materials or advanced propulsion systems to play a leadership role in this sector in the future.

By focusing on talent, innovation and cooperation at a European scale, Spain will be able to consolidate its role as a leading actor in the aerospace industry, both in the European context and globally.

5.- What can the aerospace ecosystem expect from attending this seminar?

It will not only be a unique opportunity to meet up with the entire aerospace ecosystem but will also offer a wonderful space to share knowledge on recent developments, carry out high-value networking and explore synergies with other key industrial stakeholders.

Attendees, moreover, will be able to identify partnership opportunities, boost joint projects and strengthen alliances to make the sector more competitive. In summary, the event will offer a unique environment to consolidate Spain’s position as a reference in the aerospace sector at a European and global level.