PwC: Building Trust in Commercial Drones

“Only 43% think industry is using commercial drones effectively”. Recently, PwC UK published Trust in Commercial Drones, an assessment of how industry attitudes to drones have changed over the past three years and the implications for actions to grow the UK drone economy. PwC stated “It was our pleasure to work with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology team on this project”.

The 2022 Skies Without Limits v2.0 (PwC) report showed the considerable potential for drones to positively impact the UK economy. The report noted that, to achieve this potential, there were several barriers to overcome. These included perception, (manner of drone) implementation, technology, regulation and skills.

In late 2022, PwC refreshed the 2019 “Building Trust in Drones” market research to assess how business attitudes towards drones have changed over the last 3 years. They went further than the 2019 work and tested the market research findings with selected drone industry players who either purchased drone services or provided drone services. 

Selected findings:

72% feel positive about commercial drones…

Drones expected to deliver benefits:
– Time savings (88%)
– Carbon reduction (87%)
– Safety (86%)
– Cost reduction (86%) 
– Productivity (84%)

Use cases strongly supported:
– Search and Rescue (88%) 
– Infrastructure inspection (87%)
– Monitoring emergencies (86%)
– Agriculture (85%) 
– Tracking criminals (83%)

…but only 43% think industry is using commercial drones effectively.

Issues include drone service provider credibility, clarity of drone benefits, lack of industry-specific qualifications and restrictive regulations.

The drone industry thinks action is needed on :
– Regulation
– Publicity
– Funding
– Qualifications
– Business case

Focussing regulatory efforts in market segments with compelling use cases may accelerate drone adoption.

Graham Brown, Chairman of ARPAS-UK, commented that the article is “an interesting read.” Additionally, Craig Lippett, Head of Technical Services at Eagle Eye Innovations Ltd, commented “…a fascinating and encouraging read…” Their positive feedback further emphasises the value and significance of the insights provided by PwC in their analysis of the UK drone economy.

Read the full report at:

https://www.pwc.co.uk/issues/emerging-technologies/drones/building-trust-commercial-drones.html

This article has been adapted from an original LinkedIn post by Craig Roberts, Head of Drones at PWC. PWC are an ARPAS-UK Member.

16 June 2023