How and why should Europe's regions get involved in space?
While an expensive area of research dominated by only a few major players, aerospace is of benefit for all and is not closed, as a sector, to regions, participants at a recent seminar in Brussels were told. ERRIN, the European Regions Research and Innovation Network, organised the event, at which the idea of 'strength in numbers ' was emphasised. In their conclusions, participants agreed that the opportunities for a region to emerge on its own are scarce, but agreed that success is achievable if regions construct competitiveness poles based on strategic partnerships. Roland Geubel from the space association BRUSPACE gave the keynote address, focusing on the motivation for Europe's regions to engage in space. Space is intrinsically linked to research and innovation, he said, and thus to the development of the knowledge economy and new competences in a region. Mr Geubel had reassuring words for regions without a lot of experience in the space domain: space involves the development of applications, as well as creativity - but not necessarily from companies working specifically in the space sector. Many technologies can be transferred between space and other sectors. Also, there is a new European project - Galileo, Europe's satellite navigation system - which will provide opportunities for both participation and exploitation for regions with little space experience. It is in the interest of regions to consider pushing for more involvement in space, heard participants. A variety of technologies stemming from space research have already been developed that have changed lives for the better. These include telemedicine, applications for humanitarian aid and security, and high speed Internet. The space sector is also a huge employer in regions already active in space. The industry currently employs around 40,000 people, with a further 250,000 working in associated areas. Whether or not regional actors will act upon the seminar conclusions, ERRIN is already satisfied, having learnt that several of the participants established new working relationships during the event. Potential collaborators include the Belgian region of Wallonia and the Italian region of Piemonte. While the Italian region's postgraduate course in space exploration and development systems is of interest to Wallonia, Piemonte would benefit from facilitated access to the ERA-NET initiative in which the Belgian region is involved. ERRIN is now creating a paper on the seminar with a view to establishing common bases for future collaboration.