Evolution of the european aviation r&i landscape: a data-driven analysis across three framework programmes

Abstract

Background: European aviation research and innovation (R&I) plays a central role in achieving the Flightpath 2050 vision and the European Green Deal objectives for climate-neutral transport. Aims: This paper analyses the evolution, concentration, and collaboration dynamics of aviation-related R&I under FP7 (2007-2013), Horizon 2020 (2014-2020), and Horizon Europe (2021-2027). Methods: Using harmonized datasets of nearly 80 thousand EU-funded projects derived from the European Commission’s CORDIS databases, the study applies descriptive statistics and network analysis to examine funding patterns and organizational participation. Sample: The aviation subset comprises approximately 1,500 projects and more than 4,000 organisations across 30 European and associated countries. Results: The findings reveal persistent cumulative-advantage effects, with major industrial actors such as Airbus, Safran, and Rolls-Royce dominating coordination roles and EC contributions, while Horizon Europe increasingly emphasizes sustainability and digitalization through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. Conclusions: European aviation R&I exhibits a polycentric governance structure balancing EU-level coordination with national and industrial co-funding. Implications: The results inform future mission-oriented policy design by highlighting the need to balance excellence with inclusiveness, ensuring equitable participation while advancing Europe’s transition toward climate-neutral aviation.