Scott Firsing

Frontier Forum

Scott Firsing, PhD – Scott Sky Advisors

Aerospace Strategy · International Relations · Policy & Government Affairs · Education · Global Markets

Speaker Snapshot

Base: Austin, Texas, USA

Domain: Aerospace & defense, space policy, international relations, education & workforce development, global market entry

Expertise: Strategic business development, government relations, U.S. market entry, aviation policy, global partnerships, thought leadership

Experience: 20+ years across aerospace, academia, international policy, and global business leadership

Bio

Dr. Scott Firsing is the Founder and President of Scott Sky Advisors, an Austin-based aerospace consultancy supporting companies across aviation, space, defense, energy, and emerging technology sectors. With over two decades of global experience, he has worked with organizations spanning the United States, Europe, and Africa, helping clients navigate market entry, business development, and strategic growth.

A scholar-practitioner, Dr. Firsing has held roles across government, academia, and industry, including work with the United Nations and advisory positions within the U.S. aviation ecosystem. He currently serves in leadership roles with organizations such as the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA), where he contributes to shaping policy and advancing workforce development initiatives in aviation.

His academic career includes positions as a university professor and researcher at institutions such as the London School of Economics, the University of North Carolina, Monash University, and The Citadel. His research and commentary spanning international relations, aerospace, and global policy, have been featured in leading media outlets including BBC, Forbes, CNBC, and Associated Press, with more than 100 publications and interviews worldwide.

Beyond his professional work, Dr. Firsing is deeply committed to education and next-generation leadership. He has served as a K-12 principal, founded and supported international education initiatives, and continues to mentor students and young professionals entering the aerospace and policy arenas. His work sits at the intersection of innovation, geopolitics, and human capital, focused on shaping the future of global industry and leadership

Advice to the Next Generation

Think bigger than borders. Your career will be global whether you plan for it or not. There are always global forces at play. Build a strong foundation in both technical and human skills, especially critical thinking. Take risks early, seek out international experiences, and don’t be afraid to step into unfamiliar environments. That’s where real growth happens. Most importantly, stay grounded in purpose: if you focus on making a meaningful impact on others, success will follow.

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