Commission to launch new EU space incubator network
17 July 2002 - 17 July 2002
A new European Commission initiative to encourage the transfer of space research and technology between SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and industry will be launched on 17 July.
ESINET, Europe's first network of space incubators, will be presented to representatives of the European space agency (ESA), the Commission and the media at a special event in Brussels. The initiative, foreseen within the EU-ESA agreement, will provide a concrete platform for the transfer of know-how and technology between companies and industries.
Keynote speakers will include Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin, ESA Director-General Antonio Rodotà and Franco Malerba, a former astronaut and MEP, who is now Chairman of the new network's advisory board.
Europe's space industry directly employs over 30,000 people and generates jobs in many related sectors. With an annual turnover of 5.5 billion euro, it offers opportunities for technical innovation and business. The Commission wants to boost SMEs' already key role in driving the sector, as they are in a unique position to convert innovative research ideas into new commercial products. Small businesses are also a rich source of new discoveries and applications in areas such as transport, industry, telecommunications and health.
The Commission says, however, that in comparison with other industries, the number of truly innovative SMEs in the space sector is relatively small and technology transfer remains low.
The creation of ESINET also reflects the prioritisation of space research in the Sixth Framework programme for research. The new Framework programme also aims to boost the role of smaller scale ventures, including SMEs, in developing space applications and products.For further information, please contact:
Robert-Jan Smits
Head of Unit, SMEs and Research
Research DG
European Commission
Tel: +32 2 295 3966
E-mail: robert-jan.smits@ec.europa.eu
Patrick Vittet-Philippe
Press and Information Officer
Research DG
European Commission
Tel: +32 2 296 9056
E-mail: patrick.vittet-philippe@ec.europa.eu
ESINET, Europe's first network of space incubators, will be presented to representatives of the European space agency (ESA), the Commission and the media at a special event in Brussels. The initiative, foreseen within the EU-ESA agreement, will provide a concrete platform for the transfer of know-how and technology between companies and industries.
Keynote speakers will include Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin, ESA Director-General Antonio Rodotà and Franco Malerba, a former astronaut and MEP, who is now Chairman of the new network's advisory board.
Europe's space industry directly employs over 30,000 people and generates jobs in many related sectors. With an annual turnover of 5.5 billion euro, it offers opportunities for technical innovation and business. The Commission wants to boost SMEs' already key role in driving the sector, as they are in a unique position to convert innovative research ideas into new commercial products. Small businesses are also a rich source of new discoveries and applications in areas such as transport, industry, telecommunications and health.
The Commission says, however, that in comparison with other industries, the number of truly innovative SMEs in the space sector is relatively small and technology transfer remains low.
The creation of ESINET also reflects the prioritisation of space research in the Sixth Framework programme for research. The new Framework programme also aims to boost the role of smaller scale ventures, including SMEs, in developing space applications and products.For further information, please contact:
Robert-Jan Smits
Head of Unit, SMEs and Research
Research DG
European Commission
Tel: +32 2 295 3966
E-mail: robert-jan.smits@ec.europa.eu
Patrick Vittet-Philippe
Press and Information Officer
Research DG
European Commission
Tel: +32 2 296 9056
E-mail: patrick.vittet-philippe@ec.europa.eu