IISC and Vienna based think tank, the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) agree to co-operate in the provision of policy advice to the space community.

ESPI provides decision-makers with an informed view on mid- to long-term issues relevant to Europe’s space activities and in this context, ESPI acts as an independent platform for developing positions and strategies. The IISC, with its broader international perspective seeks to provide a similar service to the International space community. Following a new cooperative understanding with ESPI, this IISC service is one step closer to fruition.

ESPI has been publishing recommendations since 2004, through its ESPI reports and perspectives, books and presentations. Its report on SatCom Policy in Europe caught our attention for its excellent synopsis of the pertinent issues affecting Satellite Communications (SatComs) in Europe.

Considering the economic magnitude of SatComs in Europe, the study presents SatCom as an enabling element of different European policy initiatives that can be grouped into four clusters, namely, space policy, Lisbon strategy and its policy for growth, industrial policy, and international relations.

Some of the many conclusions drawn include that:
– by not developing a specific policy line for SatCom, its key-role in a coherent European space policy has been lost;
– SatCom can be a contributor to Resource Efficiency & Energy;
– Satcom policy must address issues related to delivery of the Digital Agenda in Europe.

The report concludes with practical policy recommendations to EU institutions such as the Council, Commission and Parliament, ESA and Member States.

For a full report and other studies: Click here