Innovation management in the aeronautical sector: the 5F3D model

The aeronautical sector is one of the most innovative sectors internationally due to the rigorous levels of safety and quality required of aircrafts. However, we currently have limited knowledge of how firms develop the innovation management processes. The present study proposes an innovation model to evaluate how the innovation is strategically managed through factors and determinants that enable the innovation processes in an aeronautical firm. Based on a case study to a relevant firm in the aeronautical sector, the results show the validity of the proposed model and evaluate the efficiency and robustness of the innovation management process in the aeronautical firm by means of the definition of three indexes. An index of innovation indicates the development of the innovation management process of the analyzed firm. A second index measures the maturity of the determinants that enables the innovation in the firm, and a third index measures the level of global maturity of the innovation process