DroneSky.Digital is an advanced network that brings together the expertise and creativity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and research institutions from Germany and the Netherlands to jointly develop the next generation of air transport. Through targeted promotion of research, development and international cooperation, it offers its members a platform to achieve technological breakthroughs and create safe and efficient air transport solutions, particularly through the use of drones.

A key focus of DroneSky.Digital is the development of products, services and business models that are successful in the cross-border EU market. The network leverages the advantages of the EU’s unified U-Space, which is partially privatised and thus enables companies to take on sovereign tasks to secure the airspace in which drones operate.

Overall, DroneSky.Digital strives to renew the aviation industry and make a significant contribution to global sustainability through innovative and sustainable drone technologies and digital solutions.

International cooperation within DroneSky.Digital offers numerous advantages that go beyond access to global markets and the exchange of knowledge. The partnerships between German and Dutch companies provide crucial support for the network’s goals. A key advantage is access to markets in Europe, facilitated by the strong trade relations and infrastructure between the two countries. The geographical proximity promotes rapid exchange, which intensifies cooperation. German companies also benefit from the innovative strength of Dutch companies, which are well connected internationally.

The combination of German engineering and Dutch expertise strengthens global competitiveness and leads to marketable products. It also promotes the standardisation of drone technologies, which facilitates integration into various applications and increases user acceptance. Synergies arise from the complementary strengths of both countries, which increases the innovative power of the network. German companies contribute in-depth technical expertise and production capacities, while Dutch partners are known for their modern approaches and flexibility.

Joint research projects optimise the use of resources and promote faster development of new technologies. Cultural diversity leads to creative solutions, while sustainable practices help reduce environmental impact.

Overall, this collaboration enables the DroneSky.Digital innovation network to play a significant role in the European aviation industry and to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability in air transport through innovative drone technologies.

The operational goal of the DroneSky.Digital network is to develop innovative products through research and development (R&D) projects that enable solutions for U-space airspace suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. The technological innovations required for this are intended to enable genuine cross-border use of U-space by EU member states.

These R&D activities are carried out in close cooperation between the participating companies and research institutions to ensure effective technology transfer. This exchange results in innovative and marketable products and novel services.

A cross-cutting aspect of the network is the enhancement of sustainability through advanced drone technologies, which is taken into account in all areas of development. The promotion of sustainable practices and technologies in the aviation sector through the use of drones offers great potential. This includes the development of environmentally friendly drone technologies and applications that reduce CO2 emissions and use resources more efficiently.

These sustainability aspects are integrated into technological innovations, collaboration and knowledge transfer, safety and efficiency measures, and digital applications and infrastructures.