Our strategy
Aerospace and defence
Our strategy for advancing aerospace and defence in Scotland has been developed in partnership with industry bodies, trade associations and government departments. There are five key areas:
Research and development
We aim to involve companies and universities in significant collaborative research and development projects. These programmes will include those supporting the National Aerospace Technology Strategy (NATS), in addition to attracting company specific programmes and strengthening the reputation of Scotland as a hub of innovation and creativity.
Aerospace, defence and marine collaborative projects
These projects will encourage collaboration between Scottish aerospace and defence companies. These collaborations aim to help the industry gain international recognition for best practice in areas such as skills development, resource sharing, winning new business and innovative developments.
Supplier development
We plan to develop and support key Scottish companies to undertake a strategic shift in their supply chain role, safeguarding key Scottish businesses and attracting further investment.
Process excellence
We have already delivered two key UK pilot projects using lean processes through the supply chain. The Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service provides greater support and focus to a wider range of manufacturing companies. This provides a firm base from which to continue to deliver world class improvements.
Global market development
The UK is the second largest aerospace industry after the USA, and similar in size to France and Germany. Scotland has key opportunities to exploit traditional and new capabilities within the industry, such as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), avionics and key manufacturing strengths to support the programmes of major global companies.
Shipbuilding and marine
Our key objectives for the shipbuilding and marine industry are to:
Develop shipbuilding skills in support of company growth by working with the private, public and education sectors to support training and skills development to meet future industry needs and securing resources to support apprenticeship and workforce development programmes
Support the development of Scotland’s commercial ship management industry by increasing awareness and boosting the number of Scots joining the Merchant Navy as cadet officers.
Develop maritime skills in support of the commercial ship management sector by supporting the development and marketing of a fully accredited distance-learning training programme for shore-based staff and raising awareness of Scotland’s expertise in the shipbuilding sector. We also plan to increase the skills of shore-based staff at all levels and encourage further inward investment and business development for existing companies.
Increase levels of research and development in the marine sector by increasing activity and spending on commercially-focused shipbuilding and marine research and development with companies and universities.
Develop the Scottish marine industry supply chain by identifying the entire Scottish company base involved in the supply chain to the marine industries and ensuring that we are fully engaged with these companies.
Promote Scotland as a leading centre for commercial ship management by encouraging inward investment to Scotland in the ship management sector and developing a proposition for international target companies via Scottish Development International.
Read about our initiatives to support the aerospace, defence and marine sector
Feedback
If you would like to contribute to or have any comments on our strategy, please contact our aerospace, defence and marine team.