There’s a 2022 drone diversity study coming soon — but first, that study needs actual data points. That’s where you come in.
Online drone community Women and Drones together with P3 Tech Consulting and the Diversity Development Network of Canada are conducting a drone diversity study based on responses from actual participants in the drone industry. The study organizers are asking anyone from the industry — which includes you, reading this — to respond.
It’s a confidential survey, and it supposedly takes less than 15 minutes to complete. The survey period is open between now and Sept. 30, 20022. You can access the survey here.
What’s in it for you? Besides providing incite to companies, non-profit organizations and government groups that will use the data to select and develop meaningful programs, you get a short-term, direct benefit: access to the report itself. All respondents will receive the 2021 DEI UAS AAM full report as a thank you for your survey participation.
Why the 2022 drone diversity study matters
The full survey is dubbed the 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) UAS AAM Survey, and it’s the second annual survey of its kind. The first survey was conducted roughly this time last year, and its results were shared in January 2022. The 2022 drone diversity study will ask similar questions to last year’s survey to observe change over time, and it’ll also add a few new focus areas including questions around age.
“We know that the three keys to moving the DEI needle are leadership, accountability and transparency within the industry,” Women and Drones CEO Sharon Rossmark said. “I’m eager to see if this first comparison report shows any progress from the original benchmark survey taken in 2021.”
Approximately 1082 individuals responded to last year’s survey during the six-week period it was open. All that 2021 data led to the creation of both a brief summary report (which you can read here) and a deep, 100-page DEI report. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the report showed that women and other minority identity groups remain underrepresented in the drone industry, particularly in leadership positions. On an optimistic note, the report also identified resources that support DEI development and implementation among drone companies and organizations.
Most experts agree that the drone industry is lacking in diversity. Skydio shared in March 2021 that roughly 5% of Skydio 2 drones were purchased by women (thus 95% were purchased by men). Federal Aviation Administration Aeronautical Center Data shows that less than 7% of registered Remote Pilots are women.
“This is just the beginning of our understanding of DEI in the UAS/AAM sector,” said Marlene Conway Diels, DDNC President. “While last year’s survey response was impressive, we hope that even more UAS/AAM stakeholders, at every level, will share their perspectives and provide input this year.”
Related read: Surprising stats show how many people are concerned about lack of diversity in drones
What to know about the team behind the 2022 DEI UAS AAM Survey
The study is being led by Women and Drones, a network well-known for its annual Women To Watch Global Awards. That ceremony, which was held as part of the CES 2022 tech conference in Las Vegas, honors rising stars in the drone industry who have made major contributions to areas such as leadership, entrepreneurship, humanitarian support, education and public safety. The group is helmed by Sharon Rossmark, who is also the author of several drone children’s books.
Another big stakeholder in the survey is P3 Tech Consulting, a drone consulting group led by Dawn Zoldi, whose other drone industry influences include co-hosting the Full Crew drone podcast.
Take the 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) UAS AAM survey here right now, or anytime before Sept. 30, 2022.
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