EADS launched today its high technology EADS Innovation Works UK programme to develop the Group’s technological innovation capability through closer links with the UK Government, leading Universities and others interested to grow the UK’s technology base. To support the Innovation Works UK, EADS will seek to establish a Research Foundation to encourage regional technology initiatives.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create the Foundation has been signed by the Welsh Assembly Government, the South West of England and South East England Regional Development Agencies, and the Universities of Southampton, Cardiff and Bristol. The MoU sets out the framework for this innovative partnership between EADS, government and academia. The Guest of Honour at the MoU signing was the Rt Hon. Margaret Hodge, MP, Minister of State for Industry & the Regions, with Welsh Assembly Government First Minister, the Rt Hon. Rhodri Morgan, AM, in attendance as well as representatives of the Department for Trade and Industry, UK Trade & Investment, the Ministry of Defence, Members of Parliament, Members of the Welsh Assembly and representatives of the British National Space Centre, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Universities of Bristol, Cardiff and Southampton were present at the signing ceremony held in London.
Dr Jean Botti, EADS’ Chief Technical Officer said today at the launch of EADS Innovation Works UK in London: “Innovation and ingenuity has always been the driving force behind EADS. We take pride in our ability to attract the best people and develop the best ideas and technologies to stay at the technological cutting edge. Innovation Works in the UK will further accelerate initiatives across a range of sectors and technologies and also, importantly, enable us to give something back to local communities and academic institutions who have been valuable long term partners. The Universities of Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff have been chosen as our initial partners because they are at the forefront of technology critical to the future of our business. We strongly believe that technological cooperation between business, academia and Government put into practice by Innovation Works is the best way to harness talent and inspire us all to future success.”
Margaret Hodge, Minister of State for Industry & the Regions at the Department for Trade & Industry, said at the launch: “EADS’ commitment to create Innovation Works in the UK is great news for Britain and for our aerospace industry. It confirms the UK as a prime investment location not only for production but also as a high-technology high-skill economy.
“The Government is committed to growing know-how at all levels in research and development. EADS Innovation Works UK will improve links between UK innovators, creating jobs and wealth for all of us.”
Rhodri Morgan, the Welsh Assembly Government First Minister said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is keen to facilitate and encourage this collaboration between business and our world class universities. This initiative is an excellent example of what can be done for the world’s top technology companies by a joined up Wales and we welcome EADS continued investment.”
Commodore Adrian Whyntie, Royal Navy - Chief Technology Officer, of the Ministry of Defence’s Directorate for Information Systems and Services said at the launch: “There is always strong operational demand from service men and women on the operational frontline for rapid development and deployment of technology. That is why the MOD encourages industrial R&D wherever it can. This is especially important in areas such as secure communications, an area where we already have an impressive capability through EADS’s Skynet 5 programme.”
EADS Innovation Works UK reaffirms EADS’ strong commitment to the UK and its close partnership with the UK Government at national and regional level. The programme will be focused initially on three locations where there are already close business ties with EADS, namely Bristol (Airbus), Newport (Defence & Security) and Portsmouth (Astrium). The programme’s activities will co-ordinate technology delivery across all business units covering other areas of the UK where EADS already has strong links, including Airbus’ Broughton operations, MBDA operations at Stevenage, Astrium’s other sites at Stevenage and Poynton, Test & Services in Ferndown and Infoterra in Leicester and Farnborough. Innovation Works UK will initially concentrate on EADS UK’s key strengths in technology for advanced secure communications, simulation of complex systems, software engineering and advanced wing design and manufacture. Within three years EADS hopes to have built a cadre of 120-150 engineers and scientists within EADS Innovation Works UK, who will spearhead the Company’s advanced technology efforts within the UK.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of € 39.4 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and Astrium, the European leader in space programmes from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. In UK EADS has sites at Broughton (North Wales) and Filton (Bristol), where the Centre of Excellence for the design, manufacture, supply and support of all wings for the Airbus family is located. Sites are also at Corsham (Paradigm), Farnborough (Infoterra), Ferndown (Test & Services), Leicester (Infoterra), Lostock (MBDA), Newport (Defence & Security), Oxford (McAlpine Helicopters), Portsmouth (Astrium), Poynton (Astrium), and Stevenage (Astrium & MBDA). EADS has more than 15.000 employees in the UK.
