Several findings stick out in the research behind this Publication on transformative technologies at airports:

1. Limited Internal Innovation Programs

Research with airport operators across all airport sizes has shown that most airports lack formal innovation tracking programs. Therefore, they do not have a strategy in place for monitoring and pursuing transformative technologies. This puts these airports at a disadvantage, as they are unable to proactively review how technology is changing.

2. Airport Operators’ Interest in Status of Technology

Airport operators are eager to learn about the technologies that their colleagues are pursuing. Those that have this collaboration note that it proves helpful to organizations looking to gain a better understanding of the status of a technology and potential obstacles other organizations encountered. Airport managers can make a stronger case for innovation investment within their own organization when they observe other successful deployments. Conversely, airport operators can put technology investigation on hold if leading organizations deem the technology not yet ready for full-scale deployments.

3. Limited Awareness of Educational Resources

Airport operators lack an easy way to learn more about technology in a consolidated way that is applicable to airports. Access to sources through which airport operators can stay up-to-date with advancements in technology can help them bridge their knowledge gaps, educate their organization, and identify areas in which technology solutions can be deployed.

4. Numerous Hurdles to Pursuing Innovation

Airport operators face obstacles in many areas when they try to pursue innovation. From legal restrictions to cultural hurdles, airport operators encounter difficulty pursuing the types of innovation that they plan to incorporate into their organizations. Airport operators must understand the unique hurdles specific to their organization so they can determine appropriate approaches to further pursue innovation.

5. Sharing Information Is Valuable

Airport operators can benefit greatly from the sharing of information related to innovation. Operators can use lessons learned and knowledge from other airport operators not only to accelerate the adoption of specific innovations but also to further the development of an internal culture of innovation. The industry as a whole will benefit greatly from the improved sharing of innovation information between airport organizations.

6. Range of Airport Needs

Airports can have very different needs and objectives from one another. While lessons learned from other airports can be extremely valuable, the unique perspectives of an individual airport must be fully understood by airport operators when assessing how transformative technologies will impact their airports.