DASSAULT SYSTEMES

Their core work

Dassault Systèmes is a global leader in 3D design, simulation, and product lifecycle management (PLM) software, known for platforms like CATIA, SIMULIA, and 3DEXPERIENCE. In H2020 projects, they contribute advanced simulation and digital twin capabilities to manufacturing and transport challenges — from zero-defect composite manufacturing in aerospace (ZAero) to modular ship design (NAVAIS) and aerothermal modelling (SALAMANDER). Their role is consistently that of a software and simulation technology provider embedded in industrial consortia tackling real-world production and design problems.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Dassault Systèmes' H2020 involvement spans 2015–2022, with earlier projects (OPTIMISED, ZAero) focused squarely on manufacturing simulation and defect reduction. The later projects (SALAMANDER, NAVAIS) shifted toward transport applications — aerothermal engine modelling and modular shipbuilding — suggesting a broadening of their simulation platforms into new industrial domains. The keyword data confirms this pivot: recent-period keywords are entirely transport and shipbuilding-related (modular design, shipping, underwater radiated noise), with no manufacturing keywords carried forward.

Dassault Systèmes is expanding its simulation expertise from manufacturing into maritime and aerospace transport applications, making them a strong partner for cross-domain digital engineering projects.

How they like to work

Dassault Systèmes operates exclusively as a participant — never coordinating — which is typical for a large software vendor contributing technology to research-led consortia. With 42 unique partners across just 4 projects, they work in large consortia (averaging 10+ partners per project), bringing their platform tools to diverse teams. This pattern suggests they are easy to integrate as a technology provider but unlikely to drive the research agenda themselves.

Across 4 projects, Dassault Systèmes has collaborated with 42 unique partners from 10 countries, indicating a broad European network typical of large Innovation Actions. Their projects span consortia in Western and Northern Europe, with a strong connection to aerospace and maritime industrial clusters.

What sets them apart

Dassault Systèmes brings world-class simulation and PLM software capabilities that few organizations can match — their commercial platforms (3DEXPERIENCE, SIMULIA, CATIA) are industry standards. For consortium builders, having Dassault as a partner means access to enterprise-grade digital design and simulation tools with direct paths to commercial deployment. Their willingness to participate as a technology contributor in publicly funded projects offers research teams access to proprietary capabilities that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NAVAIS
  Largest EC contribution (EUR 534,538) and most keyword-rich project, addressing modular shipbuilding with environmental considerations like underwater radiated noise.
• ZAero
  Directly targets zero-defect manufacturing in aerospace composites — a high-value industrial application with clear commercial relevance.
• SALAMANDER
  Applies advanced Lattice Boltzmann simulation methods to aerothermal engine design under the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking, linking Dassault to next-generation aerospace R&D.