ABSTRACT
An overview of economic and political factors that drive nations and industrial entities to cooperate internationally to undertake aircraft programs that are beyond the financial and technical resources of the individual participants acting alone. Elements discussed are:
aerospace collaboration as a tool of international diplomacy
balance of payments
support of national industry and stimulation of domestic economies
access to technology
technological spin-offs from aerospace to the broader economy
creation or retention of high-technology jobs
control of sensitive technology
reduction of program costs
reduced dependence on external sources
the issue of juste retour
cooperative research opportunities
schedule impact
governments subsidies for aerospace
standardization and interoperability as a military force multiplier
potential negative consequences of collaboration
Discussion of all subjects includes historical and current examples from around the world and is supported by quantitative data from academic research.