Digital (Business) Ecosystems Expanding the Benefits of Space Technology Applications For a Sustainable Progress and a Knowledge Based Society

Paper number

IAC-09.B5.2.6

Author

Mr. emanuele barreca, Italy

Year

2009

Abstract

This work aims to underscore the added value that could be generated by the combination of space technology applications (earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, technology transfer) with the newest Information Communication Technology (ICT) concepts of the web 2.0, semantic web and open collaborative applications. 
The starting point is the concept of the Digital (Business) Ecosystems (DBE), a new economic paradigm based on "open \& collaborative" ICT infrastructures or architectures and web applications. The DBE concept, still in its infancy, is chosen for achieving the objective of this research: demonstrate the key role of the newest ICT for expanding the benefits of space technology applications and contributing to a future cooperative open knowledge society and a sustainable progress.
Section 1 constitutes a literature review aiming to introduce the reader to the DBE paradigm with a detailed summary of the key chronological steps through which it has evolved. The section reports the EU R\&D investment programs and other European initiatives related to the DBE. It ends with the analysis of the three main elements of a DBE ("open \& collaborative" ICT; small medium enterprises; regions) and with the summary of some real cases.
Section 2 aims to demonstrate the objective of this work through the identification of the potential lines of expansion of space technology applications inside a DBE. The methodology applied is a GAP analysis of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) programs related to sustaining business development, technology transfer, education, environmental issues and international cooperation. These areas of activity are analyzed through the DBE "open cooperative" knowledge-sharing model and integrated environment under the light of end-users needs trends (sustainable development, safety, health, mobility, energy, innovation and knowledge). Main gaps and lines of expansions offered by the DBE paradigm are identified.
Moreover, Section 2 reports on the case of the Isle of Man, a unique space-oriented community in which real and potential conditions for the convergence of space technology applications with a DBE have been identified.
In conclusion, a relationship is found between the diffusion of "open \& collaborative" ICT through DBE network and the benefits of space technology applications for the society. A new, unexplored topic is opened to the discussion. Research in this field can contribute to the achievement of international, national and regional policies for local development based on "open \& collaborative" ICT and space applications.

Abstract document

IAC-09.B5.2.6.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)