Final Report Summary - C-SPACE (Conditions for space policy and related action plan consolidation in Europe)
The C-SPACE project has gathered four European think tanks from France, Italy, UK and Sweden plus the Romanian space agency worked together for 19 months. The project has analysed the main characteristics of a European Space Policy (ESP), as well as its contribution to the EU policies ; to the production of services; to the reinforcing of the industrial competitiveness. It has also examine dits support role for security and defence ; for exploration and for science. In addition issues related to institutional evolutions and cooperation with third countries have been considered. For each of the dimensions mentioned above, the consortium has provided an in-depth analysis, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and has provided recommendations. C-SPACE performed also a cross-cutting analysis focusing on the socio-economic impact of space in Europe. All along the project, desk research was accompanied by consistent interactive activities (interviews, conferences, workshops) with the main space stakeholders. Therefore, the Consortium has benefited from comments and feedback from policy makers at national and European level, industries, third countries representatives, operators, academic experts. The main results of this project consisted in the following three points:
* The identification of the socio-economic impact of space on each vertical theme studied, providing the EC with a set of arguments for the follow up of space activities within the EU framework. The team proposed also a priority order concerning the areas where space impact should be increased and better exploited.
* The identification of a set of high-level concepts that should orient further research to develop an action plan for the effective development and implementation of the ESP, taking into particular account the implications of the Lisbon Treaty. Two aspects are at the cornerstone of the development of the EU, and of the ESP. The first, is "organisation and structures", which have reached a quite satisfactory level of maturity, while the second is the growing "societal homogenisation" (still to be fully reached). Concerning the latter, space can be a strong identity driver since it influences many aspects and dimensions of European citizens' life. The C-SPACE final report, which will be available to the public, explains why and how to improve this positive effect.
* The concrete contribution to the spread of knowledge and awareness among citizens and EU policy makers through the publication of its results and the publication of a Reference Book "Understanding the European Space Policy", available on the project website: http://www.c-space-eu.org
project context and objectives:
context: In the last years, we have observed a growing interest in reinforcing European Space Policy (ESP). This effort passed through several institutional initiatives. Based on the European Commission (EC)-European Space Agency (ESA) Framework Agreement in 2003, EU and ESA countries have held seven Space Councils. The fourth Space Council adopted a resolution (22 May 2007) on a shared and common EC-ESA European Space Policy. It provided a global vision about the key issues and main developments expected from such a policy. This global push has been confirmed by the joint EC-ESA Space Council resolution on "Taking forwards the European Space policy" (September 2008). The adoption of the Lisbon Treaty strengthened EU role in the ESP. In fact, it provided the political and legal basis for the EU to address space programs as a self-standing policy domain and a direct competence, even if shared with Member States.
while the financial crisis is threatening the development of European economies, a stronger EU vision to consolidate space policies and achievements is needed in Europe. The growing awareness of the importance of space activities as a key social, economic and strategic domain that provides benefits to a wide constituency reinforcing this objective.
the European Space Policy (ESP) comprises a vast spectrum of activities, starting with science and exploration, to expand human knowledge of earth and the universe; and continuing with a wide range of services brought to the citizens. Over the years, European space infrastructures have also demonstrated their role in enhancing capabilities for the implementation of Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and the Common Defence and Security Policy (CSDP), helping decision-making processes and implementation. Obviously, such a support has also been very valuable in the case of European Union policies at large, whether such policies address internal or external challenges. Transportation, agriculture, maritime policies as well as EU diplomacy and aid (to name a few) have all benefited from a better use of space applications. Moreover, space activities in Europe have also allowed the development of industrial and technical capabilities, allowing the EU to keep a lead position in terms of knowledge and technology. Some of the aspects within the European Space Policy, such as the contribution of Space to the climate change or space exploration, will indeed mark a major role for Europe in an international endeavour and will imply the need for the EU to develop an enhanced dialogue with international partners. Last but not least, a viable, efficient and economically sustainable ESP needs to be developed within an institutional framework that favors both a coherent interaction and reaching the right balance among the several actors involved.
following this reasoning, the development and implementation of a European Space Policy could be addressed only through a multi level policy study, encompassing the dimensions mentioned above, in the form of vertical clusters. Nevertheless, a cross-cutting study of the socioeconomic impact of space in all its aspects is needed as well, in order to interlink and support the thematic analysis above-mentioned. C-SPACE intended to focus on space infrastructures and services that is why the consortium decided not to include launchers in this project.
objectives: C-SPACE consortium is made of a network of institutions and research institutes whose expertise both at national and European levels allowed addressing the three following main objectives :
- First: it provided a detailed and up-to-date assessment of the key areas composing the ESP, and identified for each of them a set of conditions that are necessary for reinforcing their global efficiency and related policies. The assessment of current orientations and debates in different sectors were addressed too.
- Second: it assessed space socio-economic impacts in Europe.
- Third: it established high-level concepts describing the conditions for supporting a more common and efficient ESP.
to this end, C-SPACE proposed:
- An analysis of the space policy drivers in Europe, implying the study of on-going key trends in diverse space sectors (sectors mentioned above, organised in vertical and cross-cutting clusters).
- The building of a comprehensive Space policy vision based on such an analysis. The final report proposed a set of high-level concepts, to be further developed in future research activities.
last but not least, C-SPACE project has contributed to raising awareness among policy makers and EU citizens about space activities in Europe, by answering to some basic questions: what does space mean for Europe? Why Europe is engaged in such an effort? Which are the benefits for the EU citizens and which are today the main challenges and opportunities? To this end, and among other dissemination activities, the Consortium has drafted a model of Reference Book ("Understanding the ESP") and has made it available on the C-SPACE website and in hard copies to the participants of space related conferences.
project results:
results of this project and its impacts are the following:
- The project has provided the EU with an updated analysis of the current situation and main trends concerning each theme addressed (vertical and crosscutting clusters). One of the impact has been to inform the Commission, as well as other regulatory bodies /policy makers, in the benefit of policy making in relation with the new space policy setting.
- The project has provided the EU with a qualitative analysis of the socio-economic impact of space
activities in Europe, in relation to each theme addressed. This cross-cutting analysis has provided a coherent overview of the impact of space in Europe, consolidating the EU role in space and the allocation of resources. One of the main results was to facilitate and inspire EU public communication towards its citizens.
- The project has raised awareness concerning space in the EU: why the EU is interested in it? Which benefits does space bring to EU citizens? How the EU is exploiting space? Dissemination of this information through the Reference Book has resulted in proposing a communication tool for raising awareness regarding space of 1- citizens' and 2- policy makers' and stakeholders' who are not necessarily familiar with space issues.
- During the final event, the project has proposed questions and issues for further research.
one of the ways for supporting a more common and efficient ESP lies in the effort of raising awareness in support of a strong ESP. This implies triggering interest about (i) why Europe is interested in the space domain, (ii) what is the role of the EU in the space domain, (iii) how space is being used in Europe, and (iiii) which are the main challenges and opportunities. In this respect, two main issues have been identified by the C-Space project:
- First, at the level of European citizens: most of them do not know the answers to the above-mentioned questions. Even though they use space in their daily lives, they do not necessarily know that those services and applications derive from space, which implies an important level of public investments, a sound European technology and industry base as well as a continuing political attention. Additionally, the C-SPACE project has demonstrated that space is also a European identity driver that pulls together efforts from several countries in Europe, with a potential involvement of more and more EU countries and citizens.
raising awareness among EU citizens on the four topics mentioned above shall be translated in:
* better explaining to taxpayers why Europe allocates resources to space activities, even in a moment of economic austerity
* better explaining citizens how they can benefit from space
* strengthening European identity through the existence of a common ambitious space program: GMES is not German, is not French or Polish: is European
* Stimulating curiosity and desire to pursue space related careers and to put their competences at the benefit of a European space program
* Increasing the general awareness on the highly technological oriented ITB in Europe
* Increasing the general awareness on the actors involved and the successful results achieved so far.
* Continuing stimulating curiosity both at cultural and educational level
- Secondly, C-SPACE consortium believed that it was crucial to raise awareness at the policy making level too. In fact, EC units, the European Parliament and the Council related bodies are all addressing space issues. Still, other bodies and institutions (as the Social-economic Committee or the Committee of the Regions) are more or less involved in the decision-making process with an advisory role. Not all members of such institutions or bodies are fully familiar with space. This is why C-SPACE consortium has believed that it would be beneficial to bring results of its multi-level study to all policy makers and advisers in an easy and pragmatic way. By enlarging the base of space informed policy makers, C-SPACE consortium intended to:
* Contribute to the debate on space issues to improve discussions and thinking for further developing the ESP
* Better inform policy makers to allow them to represent more completely EU citizens' interests
* Improve conditions for the adoption of measure and policies that will enhance framework conditions for a more efficient and viable ESP
raising awareness at these two levels constitute the most important socio-economic benefit that the consortium intended to achieve.
potential impact:
to do so, the consortium :
* Has created a public website where the following information can be read:
- what is the C-SPACE project and what it aims at
- how some of the EC resources for research and development in Europe has been spent
- who are the partners of the consortium and how to contact them
- which are the main public activities carried out in the frame of the project
- which are the main results of the project by posting ppt presentations of the Final conference and allowing the download key documents
- how to find more information about the EU activities on space related research, by posting internet links to the main actors' website (REA and EC)
* Has organised a mid-term review conference by inviting: the main EU institutions, agencies and bodies (like EP, Council, EDA, ESPI, Frontex, to name a few), national actors (National space agencies, MoD) but also private actors (industries, operators). The aim of the conference was to:
- Present intermediary results
- Validate / modify them
- Have an open discussion on each topic
- Find inspiration for the work to come
- Spread knowledge about the project
* Has organised a final conference in Brussels with the same category or participants plus State representatives in Brussels and EC and REA in order to:
- Disseminate results
- Promote debate and open discussions
- Further enlarge knowledge about the project
- Propose further research
* The most effective and focused tool foreseen by C-SPACE to maximise socio-economic impact has been the creation of a Reference Book (Understanding the European Space Policy - The reference book).
the RB was both an introduction and a short Reference book on European Space Policy (100 pages). It contains friendly while academic referenced wording, policy-oriented analysis on the ESP. The RF was thought to be kept on the bookshelves for regular consultation by citizens and policy makers, as it is an easy way to discover main issues, main documents, links to key websites and other sources where further in-depth information can be found.
the RB is therefore both a support to decision making process and a tool to raise awareness about the three main questions mentioned above. The RB intended to provide the EC with a model that can be improved and modified but still represents a good basis of work. The RB is available on the C-SPACE website, open and for free, in order to ensure exploitation through dissemination. Yet, it can be further exploited as a friendly communication tool if the EC decides so.
the C-SPACE Final Report is a more in-depth document comparing to the RB and was made public. By reporting the main results of the project in all its thematic and transversal clusters, this document allows all citizens interested in knowing more about the ESP to easily access the Project results and to be updated on the last research efforts on the subject. The final report is available of the C-SPACE website, the partners' website and, hopefully, EU related websites.
list of websites:
address of the website: http://www.c-space-eu.org
contacts: x.pasco@frstrategie.org (scientific coordinator)
m.scuiller@frstrategie.org (IT engineer)
* The identification of the socio-economic impact of space on each vertical theme studied, providing the EC with a set of arguments for the follow up of space activities within the EU framework. The team proposed also a priority order concerning the areas where space impact should be increased and better exploited.
* The identification of a set of high-level concepts that should orient further research to develop an action plan for the effective development and implementation of the ESP, taking into particular account the implications of the Lisbon Treaty. Two aspects are at the cornerstone of the development of the EU, and of the ESP. The first, is "organisation and structures", which have reached a quite satisfactory level of maturity, while the second is the growing "societal homogenisation" (still to be fully reached). Concerning the latter, space can be a strong identity driver since it influences many aspects and dimensions of European citizens' life. The C-SPACE final report, which will be available to the public, explains why and how to improve this positive effect.
* The concrete contribution to the spread of knowledge and awareness among citizens and EU policy makers through the publication of its results and the publication of a Reference Book "Understanding the European Space Policy", available on the project website: http://www.c-space-eu.org
project context and objectives:
context: In the last years, we have observed a growing interest in reinforcing European Space Policy (ESP). This effort passed through several institutional initiatives. Based on the European Commission (EC)-European Space Agency (ESA) Framework Agreement in 2003, EU and ESA countries have held seven Space Councils. The fourth Space Council adopted a resolution (22 May 2007) on a shared and common EC-ESA European Space Policy. It provided a global vision about the key issues and main developments expected from such a policy. This global push has been confirmed by the joint EC-ESA Space Council resolution on "Taking forwards the European Space policy" (September 2008). The adoption of the Lisbon Treaty strengthened EU role in the ESP. In fact, it provided the political and legal basis for the EU to address space programs as a self-standing policy domain and a direct competence, even if shared with Member States.
while the financial crisis is threatening the development of European economies, a stronger EU vision to consolidate space policies and achievements is needed in Europe. The growing awareness of the importance of space activities as a key social, economic and strategic domain that provides benefits to a wide constituency reinforcing this objective.
the European Space Policy (ESP) comprises a vast spectrum of activities, starting with science and exploration, to expand human knowledge of earth and the universe; and continuing with a wide range of services brought to the citizens. Over the years, European space infrastructures have also demonstrated their role in enhancing capabilities for the implementation of Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and the Common Defence and Security Policy (CSDP), helping decision-making processes and implementation. Obviously, such a support has also been very valuable in the case of European Union policies at large, whether such policies address internal or external challenges. Transportation, agriculture, maritime policies as well as EU diplomacy and aid (to name a few) have all benefited from a better use of space applications. Moreover, space activities in Europe have also allowed the development of industrial and technical capabilities, allowing the EU to keep a lead position in terms of knowledge and technology. Some of the aspects within the European Space Policy, such as the contribution of Space to the climate change or space exploration, will indeed mark a major role for Europe in an international endeavour and will imply the need for the EU to develop an enhanced dialogue with international partners. Last but not least, a viable, efficient and economically sustainable ESP needs to be developed within an institutional framework that favors both a coherent interaction and reaching the right balance among the several actors involved.
following this reasoning, the development and implementation of a European Space Policy could be addressed only through a multi level policy study, encompassing the dimensions mentioned above, in the form of vertical clusters. Nevertheless, a cross-cutting study of the socioeconomic impact of space in all its aspects is needed as well, in order to interlink and support the thematic analysis above-mentioned. C-SPACE intended to focus on space infrastructures and services that is why the consortium decided not to include launchers in this project.
objectives: C-SPACE consortium is made of a network of institutions and research institutes whose expertise both at national and European levels allowed addressing the three following main objectives :
- First: it provided a detailed and up-to-date assessment of the key areas composing the ESP, and identified for each of them a set of conditions that are necessary for reinforcing their global efficiency and related policies. The assessment of current orientations and debates in different sectors were addressed too.
- Second: it assessed space socio-economic impacts in Europe.
- Third: it established high-level concepts describing the conditions for supporting a more common and efficient ESP.
to this end, C-SPACE proposed:
- An analysis of the space policy drivers in Europe, implying the study of on-going key trends in diverse space sectors (sectors mentioned above, organised in vertical and cross-cutting clusters).
- The building of a comprehensive Space policy vision based on such an analysis. The final report proposed a set of high-level concepts, to be further developed in future research activities.
last but not least, C-SPACE project has contributed to raising awareness among policy makers and EU citizens about space activities in Europe, by answering to some basic questions: what does space mean for Europe? Why Europe is engaged in such an effort? Which are the benefits for the EU citizens and which are today the main challenges and opportunities? To this end, and among other dissemination activities, the Consortium has drafted a model of Reference Book ("Understanding the ESP") and has made it available on the C-SPACE website and in hard copies to the participants of space related conferences.
project results:
results of this project and its impacts are the following:
- The project has provided the EU with an updated analysis of the current situation and main trends concerning each theme addressed (vertical and crosscutting clusters). One of the impact has been to inform the Commission, as well as other regulatory bodies /policy makers, in the benefit of policy making in relation with the new space policy setting.
- The project has provided the EU with a qualitative analysis of the socio-economic impact of space
activities in Europe, in relation to each theme addressed. This cross-cutting analysis has provided a coherent overview of the impact of space in Europe, consolidating the EU role in space and the allocation of resources. One of the main results was to facilitate and inspire EU public communication towards its citizens.
- The project has raised awareness concerning space in the EU: why the EU is interested in it? Which benefits does space bring to EU citizens? How the EU is exploiting space? Dissemination of this information through the Reference Book has resulted in proposing a communication tool for raising awareness regarding space of 1- citizens' and 2- policy makers' and stakeholders' who are not necessarily familiar with space issues.
- During the final event, the project has proposed questions and issues for further research.
one of the ways for supporting a more common and efficient ESP lies in the effort of raising awareness in support of a strong ESP. This implies triggering interest about (i) why Europe is interested in the space domain, (ii) what is the role of the EU in the space domain, (iii) how space is being used in Europe, and (iiii) which are the main challenges and opportunities. In this respect, two main issues have been identified by the C-Space project:
- First, at the level of European citizens: most of them do not know the answers to the above-mentioned questions. Even though they use space in their daily lives, they do not necessarily know that those services and applications derive from space, which implies an important level of public investments, a sound European technology and industry base as well as a continuing political attention. Additionally, the C-SPACE project has demonstrated that space is also a European identity driver that pulls together efforts from several countries in Europe, with a potential involvement of more and more EU countries and citizens.
raising awareness among EU citizens on the four topics mentioned above shall be translated in:
* better explaining to taxpayers why Europe allocates resources to space activities, even in a moment of economic austerity
* better explaining citizens how they can benefit from space
* strengthening European identity through the existence of a common ambitious space program: GMES is not German, is not French or Polish: is European
* Stimulating curiosity and desire to pursue space related careers and to put their competences at the benefit of a European space program
* Increasing the general awareness on the highly technological oriented ITB in Europe
* Increasing the general awareness on the actors involved and the successful results achieved so far.
* Continuing stimulating curiosity both at cultural and educational level
- Secondly, C-SPACE consortium believed that it was crucial to raise awareness at the policy making level too. In fact, EC units, the European Parliament and the Council related bodies are all addressing space issues. Still, other bodies and institutions (as the Social-economic Committee or the Committee of the Regions) are more or less involved in the decision-making process with an advisory role. Not all members of such institutions or bodies are fully familiar with space. This is why C-SPACE consortium has believed that it would be beneficial to bring results of its multi-level study to all policy makers and advisers in an easy and pragmatic way. By enlarging the base of space informed policy makers, C-SPACE consortium intended to:
* Contribute to the debate on space issues to improve discussions and thinking for further developing the ESP
* Better inform policy makers to allow them to represent more completely EU citizens' interests
* Improve conditions for the adoption of measure and policies that will enhance framework conditions for a more efficient and viable ESP
raising awareness at these two levels constitute the most important socio-economic benefit that the consortium intended to achieve.
potential impact:
to do so, the consortium :
* Has created a public website where the following information can be read:
- what is the C-SPACE project and what it aims at
- how some of the EC resources for research and development in Europe has been spent
- who are the partners of the consortium and how to contact them
- which are the main public activities carried out in the frame of the project
- which are the main results of the project by posting ppt presentations of the Final conference and allowing the download key documents
- how to find more information about the EU activities on space related research, by posting internet links to the main actors' website (REA and EC)
* Has organised a mid-term review conference by inviting: the main EU institutions, agencies and bodies (like EP, Council, EDA, ESPI, Frontex, to name a few), national actors (National space agencies, MoD) but also private actors (industries, operators). The aim of the conference was to:
- Present intermediary results
- Validate / modify them
- Have an open discussion on each topic
- Find inspiration for the work to come
- Spread knowledge about the project
* Has organised a final conference in Brussels with the same category or participants plus State representatives in Brussels and EC and REA in order to:
- Disseminate results
- Promote debate and open discussions
- Further enlarge knowledge about the project
- Propose further research
* The most effective and focused tool foreseen by C-SPACE to maximise socio-economic impact has been the creation of a Reference Book (Understanding the European Space Policy - The reference book).
the RB was both an introduction and a short Reference book on European Space Policy (100 pages). It contains friendly while academic referenced wording, policy-oriented analysis on the ESP. The RF was thought to be kept on the bookshelves for regular consultation by citizens and policy makers, as it is an easy way to discover main issues, main documents, links to key websites and other sources where further in-depth information can be found.
the RB is therefore both a support to decision making process and a tool to raise awareness about the three main questions mentioned above. The RB intended to provide the EC with a model that can be improved and modified but still represents a good basis of work. The RB is available on the C-SPACE website, open and for free, in order to ensure exploitation through dissemination. Yet, it can be further exploited as a friendly communication tool if the EC decides so.
the C-SPACE Final Report is a more in-depth document comparing to the RB and was made public. By reporting the main results of the project in all its thematic and transversal clusters, this document allows all citizens interested in knowing more about the ESP to easily access the Project results and to be updated on the last research efforts on the subject. The final report is available of the C-SPACE website, the partners' website and, hopefully, EU related websites.
list of websites:
address of the website: http://www.c-space-eu.org
contacts: x.pasco@frstrategie.org (scientific coordinator)
m.scuiller@frstrategie.org (IT engineer)