Grasping the benefits of growth... Space applications: our new Polish speciality

Paper number

IAC-08.E5.I.17

Author

Mr. Jakub Ryzenko, Polish Space Office & Institute of International Relations, Warsaw University, Poland

Year

2008

Abstract

The paper presents an overview of space applications that has been identified as offering the highest potential for long-term societal and economic benefits in Poland. The similar paper presented in 2007 covered the process and promotion strategy used to increase political awareness of economic importance of space activities. With an ongoing preparations of the Polish Space Strategy, this year’s paper covers the rationale behind selection of the particular priorities guiding the efficient allocation of public space R&D funding.


As societal and economic situation in Poland is similar to several other countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, it is reasonable to expect that results of the analysis may be interesting and potentially useful for others. Furthermore, the methodology used for the analysis can be easily adopted to guide long-term development of space applications for areas in a very different conditions, in particular for developing countries.


Considering a long-term perspective, there is no doubt that development of space applications has brought significant benefits, both societal and economic. Meteorological services, navigation, emergency communication in distress or satellite television are examples of success stories rooted in public programs, of which some developed into commercially viable businesses, others remained public services. However with limited resources, the optimal funding strategy should focus on public project that both provide measurable and valuable outcome and represent a potential for inducing subsequent growth of commercial ventures.
The analysis has been conducted in the following steps:
1. identifying the wide scope of potential areas of developments of space applications
2. selecting the most promising areas, both in terms of potential for economic growth and societal benefits (value of public projects’ outcome)
3. properly identifying those, where public actions can have a considerable effect on development of commercial ventures
4. assessing nature of obstacles hindering their development (lack of funding, legal or organisational issues)


The research has been conducted by the Polish Space Office within the framework of the Foresight project „The future of satellite technologies in Poland”. This project has aimed at demonstrating possible benefits of satellite-based services to the development of Polish economy and recommending the most promising areas of space applications within a perspective of year 2020.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E5.I.17.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E5.I.17.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.