Industry Canada is undertaking a study on the Global Value Chains in the aerospace industry. The purpose of this study is to describe the Canadian and the international aerospace sectors in light of the structural changes that have taken place along the global aerospace supply chain in recent years. While the vertical disintegration and globalization of the aerospace industry multiplies business opportunities for Canadian aerospace suppliers, it also means they will be forced to operate in a considerably more competitive environment. Furthermore, the sudden increase of the value of the Canadian dollar in 2007 does not help the situation.

Participation in the project:

Participating companies will be asked to describe the competitive challenges that they face and to determine the extent to which their companies have developed the key technological, manufacturing and managerial capabilities required to successfully participate in the global aerospace supply chain. This will be done during 2-3 hour site visits (or telephone interviews) using a questionnaire developed by the research team. Data will be collected during March and April 2008.

Pledge of confidentiality:

All data collected in the course of this project will be treated in the strictest confidence. No data will pass beyond the independent research team appointed by Industry Canada other than in aggregated form, nor will the identity of any participating companies be revealed.

Benefit for participating companies:

The research results will serve as a base upon which to build suggestions for public policies that should be designed and implemented to help maintain the competitive position of the Canadian aerospace industry. By agreeing to participate in this research, Canadian aerospace companies will make sure that their voice is heard. All participating companies will receive a detailed research report.

AIAC members that are interested to participate in this project should contact:

Isabelle Dostaler, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Strategy
John Molson School of Business
Concordia University
Tel: (514) 848-2424 ext. 2798
Email: idostaler@jmsb.concordia.ca