The Italian Space Agency (ASI) web portal Distretto Virtuale and its interactions with ordinary and PhD thesis elaborations on Space Economy

Paper number

IAC-17,E1,IP,27,x39205

Author

Dr. Giacomo Primo Sciortino, Italian Space Agency (ASI), Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Gabriele Lania, ESA intern, Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Ester Lazzari, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Angelo Spena, Italy

Year

2017

Abstract

The 2.0. Distretto Virtuale portal of the Italian Space Agency – ASI, is offering (2016-17) an innovative access channel to Universities’  Economics Departments wanting to base their phd and graduate thesis on the yearly series (2010-15) of the italian space sector data, provided by a significant Panel of Business and Research. Some thesis have already been elaborated, or are under way (Universities of Bergamo, Rome2, and Milano Bocconi), granting, under a non disclosure statement, student credentials for full browsing and manipulation - investigation of data. The abovementioned works dealt with aspects of the sector, such as its corporate and organizational features, systems of effective indicators to monitor its optimal development, the specific function of public demand and the Agencies’ particularly. Everywhere, the Panel was appreciated for its high meaningfulness, mainly due to its progressive and stratified construction in time. So much so that it now appears as the only reliable and comprehensive data source for those wanting to study the economical characteristics of space in Italy. Its definitions and metrics, indeed, are shared at european level and even adopted by ESA' website test model following a dedicated WG of the Steering Committee on Space Economy (as well as with OECD and IAF Committees). In must be noted that, quoting OECD "Space Economy at a Glance Report", the space economy investigation and measurement is “beset with methodological and definitional issues”. Instead the DV approach allows a “layer” by “layer” robust measurement and investigation, starting from the “core” activities of space upstream and downstream production, and extending accurately, to the wider areas of “space related” and “space enabled” business.
These collaborations are mutually beneficial.  The Universities appreciate the type of work underlying the thesis and its “hands on” style (panel interviews, analysis and index elaboration) which offers the candidates a practical and innovative experience, and is educationally stimulating, as it takes place in a dynamic context and is supported by the latest web 2.0 tools. Lastly, consider the chances of young professionals’ “placement”, with operational thesis, given the  need of skilled space economy and management specialists  mastering peculiar challenges in quality, technology and excellency.
As to ASI, beside the help in carrying out interviews that would be otherwise be too burdesome, this increases its sector's knowledge and draws attention and academic validation to DV based indexes, in view of their best application for  strategic support to the public policies.

Abstract document

IAC-17,E1,IP,27,x39205.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-17,E1,IP,27,x39205.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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