The University of Strathclyde has signed a strategic framework agreement with multinational defense, security and aerospace company BAE Systems PLC to strengthen a long-term relationship in research, education and consultancy. The signing of the strategic framework agreement by professor Dimitris Drikakis (left), Executive Dean of the University of Strathclyde's Faculty of Engineering, and Paul Feely, Engineering Director at BAE Systems Naval Ships. Courtesy of the University of Strathclyde. Strathclyde is one of five selected universities in the U.K. to have so far signed such an agreement. BAE Systems recently announced a priority to form partnerships with a smaller number of universities that share expertise in particular areas of future capability. Strathclyde and BAE Systems have worked closely together on the development of advanced maritime research and technology. This present collaboration is expected to include intelligent automation, rapid integration and manufacturing, design simulation, energy and power management, environmental challenges, and lasers. "I am delighted to agree this strategic partnership with the University of Strathclyde, which boasts world-class expertise in technology,” said Paul Feely, engineering director at BAE Systems’ naval ship division. “This partnership builds on our existing working relationships to extend our collaboration, boosting the UK's defense industrial skills base and supporting the next generation of engineers and scientists. The technologies and approaches that we will work on together will give our customers an essential edge in protecting their nations." This collaboration forms part of the BAE Systems' overarching Skills 2020 strategy, which aims to nurture the skills required for the company to operate successfully over the current decade and beyond. "As a leading international technological university, Strathclyde thrives on productive industrial partnerships,” said Alex Duffy, head of Strathclyde's department of design, manufacture and engineering management. “BAE Systems is one of the companies we have worked closely with to produce impactful results and we have great pleasure in enhancing this partnership, to the benefit of the business, the university and wider society.” Strathclyde and BAE Systems have worked closely together on the development of advanced maritime research and technology. This present collaboration is expected to include intelligent automation, rapid integration and manufacturing, design simulation, energy and power management, environmental challenges, and lasers. BAE Systems develops a wide range of advanced defense, aerospace and security solutions.