EADS and the Skolkovo Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on research collaboration that underlines the intention of EADS to participate in the Russia-based Skolkovo Innovation Centre. Dubbed ‘Russia’s Silicon Valley,’ the Centre is a high technology business hub that is being built in the Moscow region.
According to the MoU, EADS will establish a centre that will conduct research in the areas of: aerospace technology, including telecommunications and navigation; efficient energy technologies; and information technology. The Centre will also collaborate with the Skolkovo Institute of Technology and other Russian scientific institutions in order to identify technologies and competences of mutual interest.
EADS also intends to investigate the possible participation in programmes to support the development of Russian start-up companies in relevant areas. Based on its long-standing experience, the company intends to support development of educational programmes in technology of the Skolkovo Institute of Technology and also to provide advisory services to the Skolkovo Foundation in respect to establishing internal regulations, corporate solutions and governance, technical support, security and IP rights.
Jean Botti, EADS CTO, said, “I am very pleased to sign this cooperation agreement with Skolkovo. Establishing relationships with esteemed groups like Skolkovo is part of EADS’ long-term strategy to build a global integrated research capability to meet the demanding needs of our customers.”
Viktor Vekselberg, Executive President of the Skolkovo Foundation, added, “The partnership with EADS allows us to do a strategic outlook on the space technology cluster which is to be set up at Skolkovo. The Russian United Aircraft Corp. (UAC) will play a leading role in this project from the Russian side.”