Why innovation in air navigation services is so difficult in Europe - A study identifying current obstacles and potential ICT enablers

The Air Navigation Service (ANS) industry has not experienced many major technological innovations in the last decades. Despite its indisputable contribution to economic welfare, it relies on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that lag way behind their current technological potential. Yet, it is not well understood what exactly restrains ANS providers from introducing novel ICT systems despite the legacy ICT in use which reaches the end of its life-cycle. On the basis of an interview series with managers in the ANS industry, this study sheds light on the various barriers that hinder the diffusion of technological innovation. Our findings suggest that the stagnation in technological innovation cannot be ascribed to one single obstacle, but rather to intertwining political, economic, social and technological aspects. This study concludes by proposing ICT approaches to tackle the identified barriers. The analysis of obstacles and potential ICT enablers can support decision makers of ANS providers and can enable business transformations in the ANS industry. ICT researchers can use this study as a help for developing ANS technologies, and business researchers can focus on specific incentives to foster innovation.