Understanding CANEUS
WHAT IS THE CANEUS ORGANIZATION?
Many new micro and nano technology (MNT) concepts are generated by the basic research technology push. Once infused into and implemented by the aerospace industry, they promise to enable exciting applications. However, the cost of acquiring and implementing new technology is prohibitive, and most emerging technology concepts do not survive the mid Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system development stage. In order to reap the potential of young MNT concepts and increase the number of concepts that reach the system prototype demonstration stage, an industry-wide solution for overcoming the mid-TRL “valley of death” and for smoothly transitioning MNT concepts to aerospace applications becomes essential.
CANEUS International, a non-profit organization, proposes a rapid and cost-effective method of technology transition via the creation of international collaborative sector consortia. These international public/private partnerships between industry, university, and government stakeholders will pool membership's resources to define and execute high-risk, high-cost projects and initiatives. Sector Consortia will thus constitute smoothly functioning development “pipelines” for emerging technology concepts.
CANEUS currently coordinates Sector Consortia dedicated to Small Satellites, Reliability, Fly-by-Wireless (with Structural Vehicle Health Monitoring), Devices (with Harsh Environment Sensors, Optoelectronics, Environmental Monitoring, and Bio-Astra), and Materials (with Micro-Energetics).
WHAT ARE THE CANEUS 2009 WORKSHOPS?
CANEUS 2009 is a premier world event devoted to fostering international partnerships aimed at transitioning emerging micro- and nanotechnologies (MNT) to aerospace products, by bringing together complementary core expertise from key scientists, engineers, program managers, investors, and policy-makers. Representing several countries across the world, our participants represent both the micro and nano technology development community as well as aerospace end-users.
WHY CANEUS?
CANEUS International has developed three main strategies to meet its goal of rapid development and commercialization of emerging technology based aerospace systems and to overcome widespread impediments. The CANEUS 2009 Workshops are a major initiative that will implement these strategies. The strategies and tactics as outlined by CANEUS International are:
- Make optimum use of complementary knowledge, skills, and technologies.
The most effective high-level aerospace systems of the future will be those that can combine complementary, "best-of-breed" basic technologies and that draw on the most relevant expertise, wherever that expertise is found. In some cases, the best emerging technology concepts are to be found in different labs in different countries. Unfortunately, working in isolation is currently the rule, and international collaborations the exception. Few real-world examples of beneficial international collaboration in emerging technologies at the system level exist. Although many may recognize the opportunity, no one has created a way to seize it.
- Arrange for end-to-end financing for international projects while finding "workarounds" that overcome restrictive regulations.
Currently, if a group of international researchers decide to work together on a project leading to a high-level aerospace system, there is no straightforward way to arrange for project funding. Moreover, some governments have established regulations that create legal obstacles to international projects and are difficult to overcome.
- Right from the earliest stages of a project, obtain critical input from users to ensure that it focuses on high priority, "real world" needs.
Given the existing way that system buyers and funding agencies "shop" for new technology, they cannot hope to be aware of the wide array of new MNT technologies now under development in different labs. They are equally unaware of the potential of these technologies to be shaped into components that can vastly improve their current systems. A more efficient transition from early-stage MNT research to the best possible aerospace systems requires fundamental change - a change that responds to the needs of investors and users.