The event is intended to clarify international research, technology and development requirements, funding and processes for civil aeronautics, and dual technologies. In addition, the organisers wish to offer an opportunity for networking, and for identification of possible partners and suitable themes for future alignment of joint research and technology projects in civil aeronautics.

ACARE comprises around 40 members, including representation from EU Member States, the European Commission and stakeholders such as the manufacturing industry, airlines, airports, service providers, regulators, research establishments and academia.

The platform's main focus is to establish and carry forward a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) that will influence all European stakeholders in the planning of research programmes, particularly national and EU programmes.