28 June 2011 - Aéro Montréal and Aerospace & Defense Research Collaboratory sign a strategic collaboration agreement to foster stronger exchanges between Quebec and Arizona aerospace and defense industries
Aéro Montréal and Aerospace & Defense Research Collaboratory sign a strategic collaboration agreement to foster stronger exchanges between Quebec and Arizona aerospace and defense industries
PARIS, June 21, 2011 – Aéro Montréal, the aerospace cluster of Québec, and the Aerospace & Defense Research Collaboratory, led by Arizona State University, signed a framework agreement on cooperation during the 49th International Paris Air Show. The signing took place June 21 in the presence of Don Cardon, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, and Clément Gignac, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade of Québec.
“The signing of this agreement demonstrates Arizona’s sincere commitment to fostering growth within the aerospace and defense industry,” said Cardon “This strategic partnership is a perfect example of global partners coming together to meet industry demand.”
“The signing of this cooperation agreement clearly demonstrates Québec’s leadership in the global aerospace industry,” said Clément Gignac, Québec Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. “This is a real opportunity for the sector to benefit from the expertise of a foreign research partner and to build bridges and forge alliances with companies and research centers in Arizona. Canada and Arizona have roughly $2 billion dollars of trade in the aerospace and defence sector. We want to see that trade grow.”
Suzanne M. Benoît, president of Aero Montréal, welcomed this collaboration agreement, saying it will provide significant benefits to Québec’s aerospace industry. “We share similar objectives and strongly believe in the potential for dialogue on mutual challenges” she said. “Québec aerospace industry has been mobilizing to stay competitive and maintain its global position. Such agreement will certainly help our companies here in Québec”.
The agreement declares the intent of both parties to exchange information about the possibilities of taking part in local and international projects and programs; to exchange information about training, conferences, seminars or cooperation days; to invite each other to their respective events; to organize jointly economic missions or broker meetings for the members of both clusters; and to define possibilities of research projects for members of both organizations.
Mitzi Montoya, vice provost and dean of Arizona State University’s College of Technology and Innovation, said “The Aerospace and Defense Research Collaboratory is pleased to announce this collaborative agreement with Aéro Montréal. We are both committed to a collaborative approach and look forward to developing a close working relationship to the benefit of both our organizations.”
Anshuman Razdan, director, research development, in ASU’s College of Technology and Innovation, and project director of the Aerospace & Defense Research Collaboratory, added: “ADRC started out with a research focus but it has grown to be the foundation for collaborations between research universities and industry in Arizona. Cooperative arrangements with external partners like Aero Montreal will create new opportunities of research and add to the strength of university-industry partnerships in Arizona and Quebec in coming years”.
In general, this agreement involves the exchange of information on programs to optimize the supply chain and on product offers and needs of cluster members. It also encompasses reciprocal support for research projects undertaken by their members and collaboration with regard to market intelligence and international benchmarking, as well as the sharing of best practices, among others, during international forums.
About the agreement signatories
About Aéro Montréal
Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster, is a strategic think tank that brings together all the major decision makers in Québec's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, associations and unions.
Aéro Montréal's mission is to mobilize industry players around common goals and focused actions to increase cohesion and optimize competitiveness. By fostering the growth and expansion of Greater Montréal's aerospace cluster, it intends to make this industry an increasingly important source of wealth creation for the Montréal region, Québec and Canada.
Aéro Montréal has established a network of clusters by signing similar agreements with North West of England Aerospace Alliance, UK, Aerospace Valley, World Competitiveness Cluster of Midi-Pyrénées & Aquitaine, France, Skywin Wallonia, Belgium, BavAIRia and “Hamburg—The place for aviation”, Germany, Distretto Aerospaziale Pugliese, Italy and with Aviation Valley, Poland.
About Aerospace & Defense Research Collaboratory
The Aerospace & Defense Research Collaboratory (ADRC) represents the strengths of Arizona’s research universities in a unique partnership with the aerospace and defense industry, nationally and internationally. The Collaboratory focuses on increasing collaboration between research institutions, state agencies, industry, military installations and other core assets in the state of Arizona. Established through a grant from Science Foundation Arizona’s Aerospace & Defense Initiative (ADI), the ADRC has received matching funding raised by research partners and industry. The ADRC, led by Arizona State University and in coordination with Science Foundation Arizona’s ADI, is helping to create a competitive advantage for the aerospace and defense sector in Arizona.
For more information :
Véronique Coutu
Senior Communications Advisor
Aéro Montréal
(514) 987-9334
Cell.: (514) 882-9791
veronique.coutu@aeromontreal.ca
Sharon Keeler
Director of Media Relations
Arizona State University
(480) 965-4012
Cell : (602) 540-8453
sharon.keeler@asu.edu