Spain Establishes Its First Aerospace Innovation Ecosystem with ECO-AERO Consortium

ECO-AERO, Spain’s first aerospace innovation ecosystem, has received support from the Center for Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI), with a budget of €1.1 million. This initiative, part of the first call for “Innovation Ecosystems” and aligned with CDTI’s Strategic Plan 2024-2027, aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Spain’s aerospace sector through a collaborative and technologically advanced environment.

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Integrating Advanced Technologies and Multisector Collaboration

As highlighted by the Spanish Association of Defense, Security, Aeronautics, and Space Technology Companies (TEDAE), the ECO-AERO consortium brings together key players in aerospace, including Airbus, TEDAE, Andalucía Aerospace, HEGAN, ASIME, CATEC, FIDAMC, and TEKNIKER, all playing essential roles in developing the project. These entities will collaborate to incorporate advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing, applied artificial intelligence, and robotics in intelligent manufacturing processes. This cooperation ultimately aims to position Spain as an international leader in aerospace technology.

ECO-AERO will drive knowledge transfer and strengthen the national supply chain, consolidating a strategic sector that fosters high-skilled employment and investment in R&D. Additionally, the project seeks to promote a transition towards more sustainable aviation, supporting the development of unmanned aerial systems, space initiatives, and new propulsion systems.

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Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Ecosystem

The 22-month project includes a series of strategic activities focused on marketing advanced technologies and enhancing the technological capabilities of participants. Activities will include specialized workshops, knowledge transfer events, and initiatives to promote gender equality in the sector, aiming to create an inclusive and diverse aerospace environment.

CDTI’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan and Innovation Boost

The launch of ECO-AERO coincides with CDTI’s new Strategic Plan 2024-2027, which, with a budget of €8.6 million, supports innovation ecosystems across 11 key areas. This plan encourages multisector collaboration and the development of high-impact transformative technologies, ensuring that Spain’s aerospace ecosystem continues to advance in sustainability and digitalization in alignment with European Union goals.