The Aeroganp project, with a total budget of two million euros and co-financed by the Interreg Spain-Portugal POCTEP program, has already started its activities. Its main objective is the creation of an aerospace research network in the Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion. The consortium is made up of 12 partners, including the three Galician universities and the Portuguese universities of Minho and Porto, as well as technology centers such as Gradiant, ITG, Inesctec and Ceiia. Also participating are public administrations, such as the Xunta de Galicia and the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation Galicia-North Portugal, together with the Galician Aeronautical Consortium, which brings together numerous companies in the sector.

Aeroganp originated in the context of the Galician Aerospace Pole, the Xunta de Galicia's strategic initiative for the aerospace sector, focused on unmanned systems and vehicles. The genesis of the project took place during the visit of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission to the Rozas Airborne Research Center in Castro de Rei (Lugo), a unique infrastructure in Europe for its facilities and technology, placing Galicia at the forefront of the sector.

Creation of a cross-border network

Aeroganp has as one of its main objectives the creation of a cross-border cooperation network in the Euroregion. Its purpose is to bring together the main stakeholders in the space sector to promote research and innovation. In addition, it seeks the implementation of demonstrators operating on both sides of the border, facilitating the transfer of aerospace technology to society. It aspires to contribute significantly to the development and improvement of aerospace research, innovation and technology transfer capabilities to the productive sector.

The impacts of the project are expected to be significant in the Galicia-North Portugal Euroregion. Aeroganp will strengthen cross-border cooperation in the aerospace sector, promoting innovation and technological development. It will also increase the transfer of knowledge from basic research in the aerospace field to the surrounding companies.

Contributions and future prospects

The project will contribute to the growth of highly specialized researchers and technologists, reaching the critical mass necessary to lead large-scale projects. It will strengthen the research, innovation and development ecosystem, making it attractive for investment in the region, thus fostering economic development and the retention of technological knowledge.

The 75% co-financing by the European Regional Development Fund under the POCTEP program was crucial for the implementation of the planned activities, including the development of the demonstrators, the creation of the cooperation network and innovative research. The synergies generated could lead to new cooperation projects in the future. The creation of a research and innovation ecosystem in the aerospace sector can attract additional investments and foster continued collaborations, strengthening the region as an aerospace hub in Europe. Therefore, the prospects for future projects are promising.