Audit proves potential for aviation-driven economic growth

Heathrow Airport, West London and the Thames Valley’s potential to drive UK economic growth and productivity is explored in a report issued today by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) – with potential application to the fast-growing global aviation industry.

Spearheaded by Brunel University London, ‘Innovation for Sustainable Airports’ brings together the thinking from a consortium of commercial and research partners about how to capitalise on Heathrow, businesses that service it, and other strong sectors in the area.

“Heathrow, the jewel at the centre of the world’s second-largest aviation market, is an ‘anchor business’ for 400 businesses that come together to operate the airport and its supply chains,” said Professor Geoff Rodgers, Brunel’s Vice-Provost for Research, who led the study.

“A sustainable airport is one which increases social and economic growth while reducing its environmental impact, and our aim as a consortium is to create a world-leading research and innovation ecosystem that’s focused on the needs of sustainable airport development and operation.”

The report is part of a wave of 12 Science and Innovation Audits sponsored by BEIS and issued by its Secretary of State, Greg Clark MP. It focuses on four themes – sustainable construction, big data and cyber security, operational excellence, plus intelligent mobility – and identifies several strategic opportunities:

establishing a Research/Innovation Centre addressing future sustainable airport challenges
developing collaborative incubation and innovation facilities close to Heathrow
supporting and developing the provision of higher apprenticeships and graduates in areas of skills shortage, such as big data, cyber and construction
establishing a formal Research Cluster on Sustainable Airport Construction & Maintenance
developing open models for data analytics beneficial to sustainable airports
developing Cyber Security for Sustainable Airports
developing best practice in the development of smart, sustainable, scalable supply chains
creating a ‘living lab’ to explore multi-modal mobility solutions for sustainable airports.

What works well for Heathrow will be attractive to many of the 42,000 airports worldwide, and to a global aviation industry anticipating a doubling in the number of air passengers by 2035 – providing growth opportunities for UK industry.

Universities and Science Minister Chris Skidmore MP said: “We are world-leaders across a range of science and research disciplines, and the SIAs published today show the whole nation contributes to that reputation.

“From boosting our cyber security strengths in Worcestershire to improving the sustainability of airports led by Brunel University London, we have much to be proud about and we are committed to building on these strengths and others in our modern Industrial Strategy through the largest increase in science funding in a generation.”

Rob Gray, Heathrow’s Director of Community and Stakeholder Relations, said: “Heathrow has been delighted to participate in the Science and Innovation Audit on Sustainable Airports. The wide range of themes covered under this banner – from sustainable construction to intelligent mobility – are all vital to our shared economic prosperity, and they present many opportunities for growth and innovation.

“Effective collaboration is the core ingredient for success, and we hope the SIA will help to build more momentum by bringing together ideas and perspectives from all sectors and a diverse group of partner organisations.”

The consortium brings together as initial partners Brunel and Heathrow; Royal Holloway, University of London; the Thames Valley Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnerships; plus the BRE Trust, Conigital, ICAV, IceBlue, Morgan Sindall, Segro, Smart Specialisation Hub and West London Business.

OUR FINDINGS

The SIA highlights the importance of the sector to the UK economy. However four main challenges have been identified which if addressed could ensure that research and innovation is harnessed to deliver innovative technologies for future airports increasing productivity, exports and economic growth. The four challenges are:

The connection between the research base and industry supporting innovation in sustainable airports could be stronger and more diverse leading to higher productivity
The economic competitiveness of our study area means that space for businesses to grow is at a premium
There are no incubators or accelerators specific to our themes which relate directly to sustainable airports within our study area
There are significant higher level skills shortages to grow innovation in particular themes, e.g. Cyber Security for Aviation.

Additionally a wide range strategic and theme specific opportunities were identified and are contained in the Summary Report which can be downloaded below.

OUR VISION

To create a world leading research and innovation ecosystem. Focussed on the needs of sustainable airport development and operation, anchored in the West London and Thames Valley area, driving UK economic growth and productivity.

NEXT STEPS

The process of carrying out the audit has led to the development of a network of organisations committed to collaborate together to meet the highlighted challenges and exploit the opportunities identified through research and innovation. Current plans include a dedicated research Centre, opportunity reviews and “living lab” approaches amongst others.