Building trust is the key to drone-powered inspections
By Ignace Decroix
Doctoral Researcher, Digital Transformation
By Ann Vereecke
Professor of Operations Management
By Karlien Vanderheyden
Professor of Organisational Behaviour
Drones have evolved from a novelty to an important asset for industrial inspections. From energy grids to infrastructure, these agile devices allow for safer, faster, and more cost-effective operations. They can access hazardous areas, capture high-resolution data, and reduce downtime. But here’s the catch: technology alone doesn’t guarantee success. Without trust, even the most advanced drone will remain grounded.
New research by Vlerick Business School in collaboration with SkyeBase reveals that adoption hinges on the willingness to trust, both from managers making strategic decisions and pilots executing missions. Trust influences everything: data quality, operational safety, and the willingness to invest. Too little trust stalls innovation – and too much can lead to blind reliance.
So, what drives trust? Is it drone performance, pilot expertise, or regulatory clarity? How do past experiences shape future decisions? And how can companies strike the right balance to unlock real business value?
This white paper by our Centre for Smart People in the Smart Supply Chain explores these questions, drawing on interviews with 17 industry experts – including managers and drone pilots – across various sectors. It uncovers the critical factors that build or break trust in drone technology and offers actionable recommendations for managers and pilots alike.
Download the full white paper to discover the insights and learn how to build trust that makes drone technology a success.
Get in touch!
Ann Vereecke
Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management