Small and Medium Enterprises

Finmeccanica recognises that delivery of leading edge capability requires close working with an extensive supply network. Much of the work undertaken by our companies sees them focus their expertise on design, development, assembly, integration, testing and certification; this approach requires a robust and sustainable manufacturing supply chain which is rich in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

In terms of novel technology, it is important for our businesses to be able to leverage developments as they emerge. This often means working with small start-up businesses, university spin-offs or specialist SMEs. We recognise that smaller enterprises can have limited resilience, capacity and cash resources. Therefore, we have designed our project and supplier management processes to help them through collaborative development processes, shield them from some of the project risk and, on occasion, help protect their commercial viability. Our companies are founding members of the SC21 initiative in the UK which seeks to structure supply chains to encourage collaborative capability development activity, identifying and mitigating risk at the earliest opportunity.

Prize-winning work with SMEs

The MOD Grand Challenge invited innovative ideas based on novel technology from industry, academia and, particularly, from SMEs. The 'challenge' related to infantry operations in a village environment. These included the identification of snipers, potential insurgents, IEDs and suspect vehicles.

Team Stellar brought together SMEs and academia from a range of disciplines, and SELEX Galileo was responsible for the System Integration, Trials, and Ground Control Station development and supplied communication links including Basildon’s Hydra and CISP units. The team identified the importance of capability as a system, not as individual elements. Feedback from the trial guided the next stage of development for the system. Team Stellar was declared the winner of the Grand Challenge competition.