Abstract:

Introduction:
The Advanced Manufacturing Center on Aeronautics (CFAA from the Spanish acronym) (https://www.ehu.eus/en/web/CFAA) is a public-private initiative for the development of manufacturing projects with very direct short-term application for companies. Promoted by the Basque Government and the Bizkaia Council, together with a group of companies in the aeronautic sector, the CFAA seeks to be an international reference in aeronautical manufacturing research and development activities. The University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU is the technological agent that hosts and manages the CFAA with the aim of focusing on training and research activities in cooperation with the different agents.
The group of companies involves more than 70 companies in the aeronautical sector being its diverse typology (from large companies to micro-SMEs). The main objective of the CFAA is to promote projects focused on manufacturing technologies with Technology Readiness Level TRL 6-7 levels. In order to achieve this goal, the CFAA promote the synergies that may occur between the University, companies and institutions.

Objectives:
The main objectives for the CFAA are the following:
- To have a mixed R&D center in the field of advanced aeronautical manufacturing technologies.
- Carry out R&D activities focused on TRL 6-7 projects.
- Attract initiatives and talent within the field of advanced aeronautical manufacturing that may generate new collaborations between industry and University.
- Create the synergies that can occur between universities, companies and institutions, focusing the efforts towards the development of R&D activities and high-level training, practical training, dual training,...
Thus, the CFAA is a new collaboration model at the University of the Basque Country, making this a novelty in itself.

Methodology:
The CFAA involves both the University and the Association of companies (currently formed by more than 70 companies along with 7 other collaborating entities) with the aim of promote research projects.
In order to cover the expenses of the CFAA, a 7-year program-contract has been signed between the partners and the costs are covered by internal and external projects, highlighting the following financing instruments:
- R&D projects in collaboration between the UPV/EHU and companies.
- Non-collaborative R&D projects developed by the UPV/EHU through the CFAA.
- Additional projects demanded by any entity that are not part of the CFAA.
- Specific training and technical assesment carried out by CFAA personnel.
- Other services.
One of the key aspects within the CFAA is the definition of the projects. The projects are grouped within the “List of Projects” or LoP. First, the proposals from the companies are selected and evaluated. Each project proposal is analyzed and potential alliances are proposed between projects that present technological overlaps.
Just to give an overview, 93 projects were approved and finished from the LoP of 2018. Currently, there are more than 35 projects running from the LoP of 2019.
The status of each project is monitored at all times and this follow-up is displayed on a workshop screen, indicating whether the project is within the proposed schedule (green color), has a delay (yellow color) or is stopped for any reason (red color).
In this way, there is a Technological Committee that meets every 6 weeks to follow up the LoP and propose the necessary measures and changes for its correct execution.

Keywords:

CFAA, Advance Manufacturing Research Center on Aeronautics, Aeonautics, Industry-University cooperation, TRLs.