Innovative Materials in Aerospace: Next2Space for SMEs
New Materials and Aerospace Economy - from research to “business cases”
Forlì, ARENA RDV, Via Costanzo II, 13 – November 7, 2024, 9:30 am
The next “Next2Space” meeting, scheduled for November 7, 2024, at the ARENA RDV in Forlì, will focus on the role of new materials in the evolving aerospace economy. This initiative, part of the MAE - Moving towards AErospace project, will explore the opportunities offered by advanced materials for the aerospace sector, aiming to support SMEs in Emilia-Romagna and northeastern Italy in their transition toward a sustainable and innovative industrial ecosystem.
The event will highlight business scenarios and applications for new materials, targeting businesses and professionals interested in understanding how innovations in materials can create new value chains within the aerospace sector. It seeks to provide a collaborative platform to foster partnerships and accelerate the shift of SMEs toward future-oriented and responsible production models.
To participate, register here.
Event Agenda
- 9:30 am - Introduction
Adriano Gilli, Head of the Department for Attractiveness, Internationalization, and Research for the Emilia-Romagna Region, will open the event, presenting Next2Space’s objectives and its role in the sector’s transformation. - 9:45 am - General Overview
Alessandra Sanson, Director of the Institute of Science, Technology, and Sustainability for the Development of Ceramic Materials (ISSMC) at the CNR of Faenza, will discuss the technological landscape for new materials in aerospace, focusing on sustainability and circularity as guiding principles. - 10:15 am - Business Cases
The session will feature presentations from experts and pilot projects:- Luca Zoli, K3RX: development of advanced ceramics for the aerospace industry.
- Enrico Troiani, University of Bologna – CIRI Aerospace: use cases from aluminum to thermoplastic composites for aerospace.
- Nicolò Bertolini, Cluster MECH: challenges in manufacturing and the circular economy.
- 10:45 am - Moderated Discussion
Lorenzo Ciapetti, of Antares and Tecnopolo of Forlì-Cesena, and Gianluca Toschi, from Fondazione Nordest, will lead an interactive discussion, using a “business development canvas” to stimulate dialogue among participants and encourage the creation of new business ideas. - 11:30 am - Conclusions and Networking
A networking reception will provide additional opportunities for participants to connect, encouraging idea exchange for future collaborations.
MAE’s Objectives and the Role of the Next2Space Event
MAE aims to transform traditional industrial sectors toward a sustainable, future-oriented aerospace economy by defining and implementing public policies that facilitate this transition. In alignment with this mission, the project supports a responsible innovation approach that considers:
- The role of regional stakeholders in value chains and innovation ecosystems.
- Systemic elements required, including specialized curricula, research facilities, and incubators.
- Support measures for product and process innovation in SMEs.
- Institutional capacity to attract investment and promote integrated growth.
The “Next2Space” event aligns perfectly with these goals by providing a comprehensive overview of developments related to new materials and sustainability, which are key themes for the aerospace sector's future. The November 7th meeting aims to outline value chains that support an effective transition toward low-impact production, where materials like thermoplastic composites, bio-composites, and innovative metal alloys represent promising solutions.
MAE and Responsible Innovation: A Sustainable Ecosystem for SMEs
The MAE approach encourages Italian SMEs to integrate into the aerospace economy, adopting sustainable technologies such as new materials to create advanced, low-impact components. Responsible innovation is a key principle of the project, and events like Next2Space are vital to promoting this transformation. Through interactive sessions, concrete case studies, and guided discussions, MAE supports SMEs in building the skills and capabilities necessary to actively participate in a more advanced and sustainable aerospace economy.
In conclusion, the Next2Space meeting represents a unique opportunity for local SMEs, which, thanks to the MAE initiative, can access essential tools and expertise to address the challenges of industrial transformation and position themselves within a rapidly growing and economically significant sector.