Efficient Digital Thread for Composite Structures: From Process Physics to Predictive Performance

Research Project, 2025 – 2026

This planning project aims to create a vision and strategic foundation for a Swedish world-leading excellence cluster in digitalized composite systems. By linking design, manufacturing, and performance through an efficient and interoperable digital thread, the project will enable predictive, sustainable, and certifiable composite technologies that strengthen Sweden’s industrial competitiveness and scientific leadership.

The project will establish the groundwork for a future excellence cluster that accelerates the transition toward lifecycle-intelligent and circular composite systems. Expected results include improved material and process efficiency, reduced environmental footprint, and faster certification. The initiative strengthens Sweden’s competence in dual-use applications—spanning aerospace, defense, energy—positioning Sweden as a trusted international leader in sustainable high-performance composites.

During this six-month planning phase, the consortium—Saab, GKN, Hitachi Energy, Uppsala University, Luleå University of Technology, Linköping University, Chalmers, KTH, and RISE—will co-develop a roadmap, governance model, and international benchmarking. Through workshops and ecosystem mapping, the project will define priorities for digital-thread composite systems, strengthen national collaboration and competence, and prepare a strong long-term proposal for the next Vinnova cluster phase.