Aeronautical Excellence Through European Strategic Partnerships

Research, Innovation and Technological Development (RI&TD) are essential elements in functioning and developing of industrialized countries, such as the EU Member States and the New Member States, paving the way for companies and their employment potential to push competitiveness to new levels. The Treaty of Lisbon serves as a guideline for implementing European policies and programs in all research fields, involving all member states. Aeronautical research in Romania started as part of the Applied Mechanics Institute of the Romanian Academy, founded in 1950 as the country’s first research institution, having a department of aeronautical research. Since then, Romanian aeronautical research and industry grew constantly becoming one of Europe’s most prestigious and cutting-edge provider of aeronautical services and products. In the recent years, ever since Romania was allowed to participate in the European research programs, Romanian aeronautical research and industry was always present having important contributions to European policies, strategies and visions. This paper follows the Romanian aeronautical research since its beginnings, making a parallel between Romanian and European research strategies and programs in the field of aeronautics. It describes the evolution of Romanian aeronautical companies in the European context and the participation in the development of major programmatic documents.