In CATEC we have always had a clear idea that technological innovation and development are fundamental to make the aerospace industry more advanced and competitive by offering products of the highest quality that contribute true added value to the aeronautic and space market. For this to be possible, it is essential to promote collaboration and cooperation between businesses (as OEMs as SMEs), technological centers, and general research companies in order to strengthen synergies and knowledge transfers. Without these synergies and transfers, everything would be harder to achieve by ourselves.

A perfect scenario for this are the fairs or technological events of reference in the sector, like Málaga´s Foro Transfiere or the World Mobile Congress. In these events the leading technology companies from Spain, Europe, and the world meet to present their new and innovative technologies. Besides, these events also allows experts to exchange ideas and experiences, take advantage of business opportunities, and even start collaborating on new R+D projects.

CATEC has had the privilege to participate in both events. We have presented our latest technological novelties in areas as important as additive manufacturing (also known as 3D-printing) and new production methods for aeronautic factories of the future, or new technologies to monitor and control drones through the new 4G telephone networks (in a pioneering initiative with Vodafone).

And we have been able to confirm that Spanish (and Andalusian) R+D is in good health. Our positioning in the aerospace field and in other areas and related industries have solid foundations despite having gone through the last difficult years of the crisis. As we have proved, strengthening bonds of collaboration is a fundamental condition to continue developing new technologies and processes that allow us to improve our activity. Only by collaborating with businesses, research centers and institutions will it be possible to reach the objectives that we create.

Thus, we walk on a good path, but we should not become too complacent and insist in continuing this way. Only through work, commitment and collaboration will we manage to continue with a firm step on the correct path which will position us and our R+D where it deserves to be: at the head of the international level.

Joaquín Rodríguez Grau
Director of CATEC