Department for Business and Trade: Aerospace Programme Impact Evaluation
Background & Context
The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) programme is one of the UK’s largest investments in aerospace innovation, supporting the development of next-generation technologies that will help maintain the UK’s global competitiveness and support the transition to Net Zero aviation.
With £1.9 billion of government funding invested alongside significant industry contributions, the programme has supported hundreds of collaborative R&D projects involving aerospace manufacturers, SMEs, universities and research organisations.
The Department for Business and Trade commissioned Frazer-Nash Consultancy and M·E·L Research to undertake an independent evaluation of the programme. The study sought to understand how ATI funding was contributing to innovation, investment, collaboration and economic growth across the UK aerospace sector, while also establishing evidence to support future policy and investment decisions.
Approach
M·E·L Research and Frazer-Nash Consultancy delivered a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation, combining analysis of business performance data with extensive stakeholder engagement across the aerospace innovation ecosystem.
The research included:
Analysis of programme and business performance data.
In-depth interviews with funded organisations and sector stakeholders.
Surveys with programme participants.
Focus groups exploring programme experiences and outcomes.
Review of programme documentation and project evidence.
This approach enabled the team to assess both measurable programme impacts and the wider benefits generated through ATI-supported innovation.
Research Design
The evaluation explored the ATI programme’s contribution across a range of strategic outcomes, including:
Innovation and technology development.
Research and development investment.
Employment and skills growth.
Collaboration between industry, academia and research organisations.
Supply chain development and resilience.
Infrastructure and capability building.
Wider economic and sector-level benefits.
The research also examined the additional value generated through ATI funding and the extent to which outcomes may not have occurred without programme support.
Analysis
M·E·L Research and Frazer-Nash Consultancy combined quantitative and qualitative evidence to build a robust understanding of programme performance and impact.
Analysis focused on identifying changes in investment, innovation activity, collaboration and organisational growth, alongside understanding how ATI funding had supported organisations to develop new technologies, strengthen partnerships and accelerate progress towards commercialisation.
A Theory of Change framework was used to assess how programme activities contributed to short, medium and longer-term outcomes.
Outputs
The evaluation provided the Department for Business and Trade with a robust evidence base demonstrating the value and impact of the ATI programme.
Key findings highlighted:
Increased investment in aerospace research and development.
Growth in employment and specialist skills.
Progression of innovative technologies towards commercial application.
Stronger collaboration across industry, academia and research organisations.
Enhanced research, testing and manufacturing capabilities.
Strengthened UK aerospace supply chains.
Spillover benefits into sectors including automotive, energy, defence and healthcare.
The study also showcased how ATI-funded projects were advancing technologies such as hydrogen propulsion, electric power systems, advanced composites and digital engineering.
Findings were presented through a comprehensive evaluation report, combining impact evidence, stakeholder perspectives, case studies and strategic recommendations. The research established a strong foundation for future programme monitoring and provided evidence to inform ongoing investment and policy decisions supporting the UK’s aerospace sector.
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