Could you please elaborate on your vision for the Lombardy Aerospace Cluster? As the President of the cluster, how do you aim to coordinate and support the network of companies, universities, R&D centers, and institutions within the triple-helix model?

The Lombardy Aerospace Cluster is a unique system of integrated companies, institutions, and knowledge centers that represent the complete expertise of aircraft system integrators with both fixed and rotary wings, satellites, and scientific payloads. The region boasts a full supply chain, able to deliver the finished product thanks to the presence of avionics, equipment, and components producers, making Lombardy stand out among other Italian regions and in the European framework. The cluster aims to continuously support companies’ growth through the development of a strong regional network.

As the President of the cluster, I believe in promoting collaboration and communication among all players to enhance their competitiveness, especially for small and micro-companies. My role is not that of a CEO of a single company making independent decisions but rather to chair the cluster board to coordinate how we can better support each other. By bringing all players together, I believe we can create a collaborative environment that supports and expands aerospace industry excellence in Lombardy.

What are the main goals you have set for the Lombardy Aerospace Cluster? How does the cluster aim to create a network based on the active collaboration between large, small, and medium companies, knowledge systems, and institutions?

The main goal of the Lombardy Aerospace Cluster is to support and expand aerospace industry excellence in Lombardy through the creation of a network based on the active collaboration between large, small, and medium companies, knowledge systems, and institutions. This way, small companies are informed of aerospace trends, while larger companies are surrounded by an excellent local productive system. To give an example, the cluster launched a project named “Certifications” in 2013, where large companies gave support in mapping a common path for SMEs for certification achievement. The cluster also involves universities and research centers, which helps us gain a better understanding of new developments.

Are there any ways in which the Lombardy Aerospace Cluster can help companies gain global visibility? How does the cluster aim to take SMEs on a path of internationalization by participating in international shows, events, and creating a stable network with other clusters and European companies?

In today’s global market, many small and medium companies are looking to expand outside of Italy. While large players already have channels to access customers, the Lombardy Aerospace Cluster helps small companies collaborate with larger players to gain international visibility. We aim to take SMEs on a path of internationalization by participating in international shows, events, and creating a stable network with other clusters and European companies. By doing so, SMEs can learn about new trends and gain exposure to new markets, ultimately expanding their businesses.

With decisions such as Leonardo’s opting to move a part of their operations to Poland and the need to go global, is this a good time to invest in the Italian aerospace market? How can companies operating in the aerospace business adapt to the current competitive conditions and market changes?

Competitive conditions and market changes are strictly linked. For example, the drop in oil prices triggered an immediate effect: the overall worldwide reduction of helicopter orders, negatively affecting not only Leonardo helicopters but also all the other providers in the cluster. Therefore, companies operating in the aerospace business should not only look at the Italian market, which is only a small niche, but should also go international. Additionally, there should be more involvement at the governmental level to support Italian products and make them as appealing as other countries do for their products.