Synopsis
The document is a 2023 edition of a statistical working paper titled “Developing a Space Economy Thematic Account for Europe” jointly published by the European Union, the European Space Agency, and the European Commission. It builds on previous efforts by the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis to construct a space economy account for the US as well as OECD guidelines for measuring the space economy. The purpose is to provide a standardized methodology for EU members to account for space-related economic activity in national accounts and contribute to monitoring progress of space industrial policy.
The report aims to define the scope of space-related activities in Europe across public and private sectors. It delineates upstream, downstream, and horizontal space industry segments. Upstream refers to manufacturing of space hardware like satellites and launchers. Downstream covers adding value to space data like Earth observation to provide geo-information services. Horizontal involves non-space sectors that support space activities like specialized electronics. There is also overview of recent space policy developments in Europe.
Challenges identified include capturing small and medium enterprises, distinguishing civilian and defense activities, and handling global value chains. Recommendations are provided to address these issues and guide implementation of the space economy account methodology in practice. Annexes contain relevant statistical codes and an initial quantitative assessment of scale based on available economic indicators. The report concludes by emphasizing the need for members to provide quality source data as input for standardized space economy measurement.
