The Dutch aviation sector faces major challenges: sustainability, digitalisation, and strengthening international cooperation. As in other sectors, this calls for collaboration. But how can we make clear which companies possess which competencies, and who the best partners for innovation are? To address this question, our industry partner Netherlands Aerospace Group (NAG), also involved in the innovation domain Sustainable Mobility, developed the NAG Ecosystem Mapping Tool. This interactive tool, initiated within the National Growth Fund programme Aviation in Transition (LiT), provides insight into which companies and organisations are active in aviation and related sectors, linked through the key technologies of the National Technology Strategy. In this way, both large and small players can more easily identify the right partners and seize new opportunities.
Cross-sector collaboration
Major transition challenges, such as those facing the aviation sector, call for collaboration: within the domain itself, and certainly beyond it. Technologies and techniques applied in aviation are potentially relevant in other sectors as well. Think of hydrogen and hybrid-electric propulsion—areas in which the maritime and automotive industries are also highly active—or the use of new materials and composites, which play an important role in sustainability.
Image: via NAG
Users of the Ecosystem Mapping Tool can therefore filter by network, location, sector or key technology, making it clear not only who is part of the ecosystem, but also how they are connected and where their focus lies. This makes visible how competencies align and makes it easier to identify areas of overlap. Mark Ommert, Project Manager and Ecosystem Developer:
With this tool, we map available competencies and propositions from different sectors, linked through the key technologies in the National Technology Strategy. By bringing these together, we avoid overlaps, strengthen innovative power and accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility.
Early results
The first responses from the ecosystem are positive. Major aircraft manufacturers note that they can readily find companies that match a specific need, rather than issuing a broad request. Smaller companies and start-ups are also easier to find. Abroad, the tool is of great value in representing the Netherlands clearly to international parties.
As it stands, the tool contains a broad overview of the Dutch aviation ecosystem. With the involvement of RAI Automotive Industry NL—also our industry partner and involved in Sustainable Mobility—the automotive ecosystem is now being made more visible. The Battery Competence Cluster (innovation programme for battery technology and implementing body of the National Growth Fund programme Material Independence & Circular Batteries) has likewise committed to supplying a database. In the longer term, the aim is to expand further, including with international and other cross-sector parties. NAG is also preparing a cross-sector networking event to foster concrete collaborations.
Want to see how the tool works and which companies are included?
To the Ecosystem Mapping Tool
Would you like to contribute to the tool or share feedback? Feel free to contact NAG at mark.ommert@nag.aero.