The Second Annual Conference hosted by the Space Economy Evolution Lab (SEE Lab) highlighted the urgent need for data policy and regulation amidst the boom in space data commercialization. The event brought together policymakers, private companies, researchers, and financial institutions to discuss critical issues in the expanding space economy.
Key questions addressed included the formulation of a new space data regulation for Europe, improvement areas in European data policy, security, and regulation, and essential safeguards for stakeholders. Prof. Paola Cillo of SDA Bocconi and Prof. Di Pippo, Director of SEE Lab, emphasized the Lab’s role in supporting private sector and institutions, touching on relevant issues like space debris and sustainability.
Luigi Ruggerone, Senior Director at Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center, spoke on the economic and strategic interests in the space sector, including defense, job creation, circular economy, and technology spillover. The importance of research, innovation, and inter-industry collaboration were also underscored.
Results of a joint study by SME4IRIDE revealed that Italian SMEs are ready to leverage IRIDE satellites but have concerns regarding financial access and the need for new sector-specific expertise. Rodrigo Da Costa, Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA), elaborated on the various programs promoting space infrastructure exploitation and market development.
Discussion topics also included data utilization and commercialization, the strategic application of AI, market competition, policy tools, space logistics, and infrastructure. The SEE Lab introduced the Knowledge Space Investment Platform (KSIP) designed to empower investors through in-depth analysis, strategic recommendations, and facilitating public industrial policy initiatives for space sector investments.
Concluding the conference, Prof. Di Pippo underlined a 20-year technological gap between Europe and the US, stressing the importance of advanced technologies in addressing challenges such as faster image acquisition for disaster response. She cited her experiences with SpaceX and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to emphasize the need for bridging the technological divide.
Read more here.
