ESA space solutions (IAP and TTP)

Paper number

IAC-15,B5,2,1,x30102

Author

Mr. Frank M Salzgeber, ESA, The Netherlands

Year

2015

Abstract

TTP (Technology Transfer Programme) and IAP – two complementary tools for leveraging on space investments
ESA uses many tools to leverage on the investments done in space related research and space based capabilities like satellite navigation, satellite communication and earth observation. ESA Business Incubation Centres (BIC), ESA Borkers and application programmes - notably the Integrated Application Promotion (IAP) programme – support the application of space related technologies outside the traditional space domain, to the direct benefit of users. In addition, with relatively modest investments, much needed economic growth is stimulated. For an outside observer it may appear that the TTP and the IAP programme are quite similar in their ambition, but a closer look reveals that they instead are complementary. For example TTP and IAP generally target different kind of applicants. While BICs will support start-up companies only, IAP applicants range from teams of SMEs to large multi-nationals who apply for project co-funding.The Broker helps to transfer technology of Space industry. Furthermore, a BIC start-up may work with practically any technology or asset related to space, from applying highly specialized space technology in a new domain to selling smartphone applications making use of satellite positioning to a worldwide public. In contrast, IAP focuses on developing sustainable space based services making use of multiple space assets. Sometimes these kind of services are very advanced, relying on complex solutions where the challenge is to integrate already existing components, both space based and terrestrial ones, into a specific operational context.  Another notable difference between the BIC start-ups and IAP activities is the level of funding for an individual application. For the start-up there is a limited incentive next to other support, while the budget for IAP activities is based on the required effort and may therefore be much larger. 
Although the many differences, it makes sense to operate TTP, IAP and similar initiatives closer. In the first case this holds for awareness activities and for ambassador/broker activities. In fact there are already several examples of this being done in practice. On the longer run it makes sense to also include other, similar initiatives, promoting them all under the same brand “space solutions” to improve the recognition outside the space industry. ESA should also strive to find synergies in the outputs, e.g. cross-fertilize where possible between start-ups and on-going/finished projects, and within the growing alumni networks of both the TTP and IAP.

Abstract document

IAC-15,B5,2,1,x30102.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-15,B5,2,1,x30102.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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