Strengthening of Strategic Capabilities in the Integration of Electronic Systems, Through the Execution of R + D + i Projects

This work presents an overview of the most relevant capabilities that have been acquired and consolidated in the Science and Technology Corporation for the development of the maritime and fluvial naval industry—COTECMAR, based on the execution of research, development and innovation projects (R + D + i) oriented to sensors and electronic systems integration in naval environments. This document present the applied methodology, the most significant results obtained, the main technical capacities acquired or strengthened and the technical and administrative challenges that have been faced in the process of developing R + D + i projects, based on the analysis of four projects carried out by the COTECMAR Research and Development department, mainly related to unmanned surface vehicles—USVs, tactical data link system, navigation data distribution units—DDU and acoustic identification and classification systems. The foregoing, as an important step on the road to achieve technological independence in these areas of knowledge, seeking to contribute to the integral technological development of the Colombian Navy and the defense and industrial sectors of the region.