Aero EDIH: Accelerating Digital Transformation in Aviation and Aerospace

The project was implemented under the Digital Europe Programme as a specialised European Digital Innovation Hub serving the aviation, aerospace and emerging lower-airspace economy. Its mission was to help organisations adopt and apply advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, cybersecurity, simulation, digital airspace management and advanced digital skills in ways that reduce investment risk, increase digital maturity and strengthen European competitiveness.

The starting point for Aero EDIH was the recognition that aviation and aerospace are entering a structural transformation driven by electrification, automation, advanced air mobility, unmanned aerial systems, digital air corridors and U-space. The Description of Action framed the lower airspace as an under-utilised societal asset with the potential to improve mobility, strengthen regional connectivity and enable more sustainable transport of people, goods and data.

It also identified the need for close interaction between industry, academia, public entities, municipalities and regions in order to make this transformation safe, competitive and socially beneficial. Aero EDIH was therefore designed as a multiplier of European digital capabilities, combining sector-specific aerospace knowledge with access to testing, training, investment support and innovation ecosystems.

During the project period, Aero EDIH developed and operated a service portfolio structured around the four core EDIH service areas: Testing before Investing, Support to Find Investments, Training and Skills Development, and Networking and Access to Innovation Ecosystems.

The services were delivered through a user journey that assessed user needs and digital maturity, matched each organisation with relevant support, mobilised expertise from the consortium and wider ecosystem, and documented outcomes and follow-up needs. This approach allowed Aero EDIH to provide tailored support to companies and public sector actors whose challenges were often highly specialised, technically complex and closely linked to regulation, safety, infrastructure and market adoption.

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