UCNDrone – UAS (Drone) University Collaboration Network

The UCNDrone project will create a network of ten universities to strengthen training and research on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and to respond to changes in society and work. The solutions and training developed in the network are central to emerging technologies, society change and green technology. Universities are participating in the project from the perspective of their strategic priorities and in a truly multidisciplinary way.

According to the EU, the number of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Europe will rise to millions in the near future and this also has a significant positive impact on the job market. Both the EU Digital Single Market and the Space Framework identify drones. Only in the field of logistics, in 2035 it is estimated that around 90,000 drones will be used for transportation in Europe. Finland should also train e.g. engineers to meet the needs of companies in the field (such as measurement, mining, safety) as well as to develop emerging technology research that advances knowledge at the international level.

Despite individual projects, the expertise is scattered both Finland and internationally. This requires systematic improvement of the RDI network. The project contributes to this by bringing together the best experts in the Finnish higher education sector from a societal, work and business perspective.

The objective is to create a nationwide RDI focused network for the training of unmanned aerial vehicle system technologies. The network will develop technology in the field of special training and innovation for the needs of business and society. The aim is also to include logistics, monitoring and rescue operations to the training topics. 

The diversity of the members makes it possible to identify national and international development targets. Collaboration in the network paves way for future research and joint projects both in domestic and the EU level.

The project, funded jointly by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the partnering organisations, began in February 2021 and will last for three years. Lead partner is Oulu University of Applied Sciences and other partners include universities of Oulu, Helsinki and Turku as well as the following universities of applied sciences: Centria, Xamk, Metropolia, Savonia, Tampere and Turku.