The SESAR 3 Knowledge Transfer Network

Project Information

Engage 2

Grant agreement ID: 101114648

DOI

10.3030/101114648

EC signature date 17 May 2023

Start date 1 June 2023

End date 31 May 2027

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 3 801 645,00

EU contribution

€ 3 346 287,50

Coordinated by

DEEP BLUE SRL
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Engage 2 (The SESAR 3 Knowledge Transfer Network)

Reporting period: 2024-06-01 to 2025-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Engage 2, building upon the foundation laid by the previous Engage Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), aims to address the evolving needs of the aviation sector by equipping the next generation of aviation professionals with the skills required for the digital era. The project seeks to create a robust alliance between research and operational implementation, thereby contributing to the growth of the SESAR Digital Academy and the transformation of air traffic management (ATM).
The project is designed to enhance the ATM community's capabilities by fostering a seamless integration of knowledge and innovation. Through a lean and efficient implementation strategy, driven by a cohesive and highly effective consortium, Engage 2 is able to maximize its impact. This is achieved not only through direct funding of PhDs and other projects, such as catalyst funds but also by revamping and improving the Engage Wiki that will serve as the main repository of valuable data and opportunities for researchers in the ATM field.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first year of the project, Engage 2 has successfully revamped the wiki (that will be online in Autumn) and developed a brand new matchmaking app (prototype ready by end of July). Moreover, Engage 2 has launched three calls, one aimed at identifying the first four thematic challenges, one at supporting PhD students (8 PhD institutions were identified, contracts are planned to start in October 2024) and at supporting catalyst fund projects (7 projects, contracts in progress).
Engage 2 also launched an opportunity to support MSc students with mentoring and career guidance (3 applications so far).
The more technical work on future skills and competencies is ongoing with the document on ATM major technological changes being submitted, the panel on future skills being carried out at Airspace World 2024 in Geneva, the mapping of university programmes being updated and the questionnaires to academia and industry representatives being delivered and analysed.
In the first 12 months of project implementation, Engage 2 has presented its activities and initiatives to the ATM and aviation community in several relevant events such as SESAR annual conference 2023, EASN conference 2023, SIDs 2023, ASW 2024, TRA2024. This led to the building of a strong community of interested stakeholders (156 members so far) that are kept updated on Engage 2 activities through its channels and its newsletter.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Engage 2’s core objective is to foster cross-fertilization of knowledge by integrating insights from various disciplines and promoting innovative, forward-thinking research within the ATM domain. A significant focus is the advancement of the ATM concepts roadmap, which will be a central feature of the newly enhanced Wiki. This collaborative resource is intended to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and the practical challenges faced by SESAR, thereby strengthening the ties within the aviation community.
The project also aims to engage students by helping them identify opportunities in ATM-related studies and investigating the future skills needed in this sector. By attracting students to the ATM field, Engage 2 seeks to ensure a steady entry of new talent. Additionally, the project promotes a triple-helix collaboration model, bringing together academia, industry, and policymakers to work towards shared goals in the ATM field.
Over its four-year duration, Engage 2 will implement more than 30 activities designed to promote collaboration within the aviation community. These activities include two hackathons, three open days, and three summer schools, all aimed at fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Additionally, the project is developing a Matchmaking app to facilitate the creation of profiles and the exploration of joint opportunities by students, universities and companies.
By addressing the identified needs and challenges in the ATM sector, Engage 2 is expected to have a significant impact. It will inspire and educate future aviation professionals, enhance the operational implementation of research findings and ultimately contribute to the evolution of air traffic management in the digital age. This comprehensive approach ensures that the project's outcomes will be both substantial and far-reaching, benefiting the entire aviation community.