Space Data Economy

This topic aims at supporting activities that are enabling or contributing to overcoming sectorial demand fragmentation and support scale up of the space data^[1] use, increasing the wider uptake and mass adoption of the EU space data in selected priority areas that are strategic for Europe. To that end, proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed, tailored towards and contributing to some or all of the following expected outcomes:

• Foster the development and prepare for the commercialisation of innovative space-based solutions that supports an informed decision making of relevant stakeholders (e.g. energy operators, city and regional authorities, financial institutions, insurance companies, corporations, food/industrial manufacturing etc.);
• Leverage EGNSS-based and Copernicus-based capabilities to modernize and increase the efficiency and resilience of energy infrastructure and/or urban environment, and/or support the use of green financing schemes addressing environmental challenges as well as implementing climate resilient practices in the downstream sector;
• Analyse and support the consolidation of the sectorial demand for solutions based on EGNSS and Copernicus services and data, possibly also exploring the synergies with EU space based secure communication and surveillance, addressing the challenges identified in priority areas and leveraging the relevant regulatory environment.

Europe has made a considerable investment in its space infrastructure, resulting in two pivotal outcomes: first, a strategic autonomy of the continent, and second, a surge in economic growth driven by space-enabled applications. Additionally, Europe boasts a thriving sector offering space data, services and products, which continues to show steady growth.

The market for space data and services is fragmented, both on the side of supply and demand. A fragmented and underdeveloped demand from both public and private users does not allow for scaling up, hindering the realization of the full potential of the EU Space infrastructure.

Space data can be used in almost all industry verticals in the EU and worldwide. While some sectors are already using space data to high extent, providing benefits to the citizens, economy and environment, other sectors are only marginally testing the ground. The demand creation is progressing, however, in order to foster the space data economy, it is needed to scale up and accelerate the market uptake and mass adoption of space data, in the context of the applicable legal framework.

In order to achieve this, the proposals should focus on the development of innovative solutions, tailored to the specific needs of downstream industries and verticals and addressing inherent sectorial demand fragmentation issues. There is also an untapped potential of using space data to bolster green and digital transitions, presenting an opportunity to create innovative solutions in these domains.

Moreover, the projects should leverage the existing relevant sectorial regulations and policies, by exploring how the proposed solutions using space data and services can support these regulations.

Projects supporting the integration of EU Space data and services into vertical market segments should focus on one of the following selected priority areas (and identify which area is being addressed in the proposal):

• Energy (renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy infrastructure) In the face of energy supply shortages and climate change, the demand for renewable energy is rapidly increasing. Driving this demand is the fact that renewables are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning the world towards a sustainable future. Moreover, energy efficiency initiatives aim to optimize energy consumption across various sectors, from manufacturing to residential spaces, fostering a more sustainable and responsible approach to energy use. To expedite this transition, space data and services enable energy stakeholders to make informed decisions about the deployment and management of renewable energy infrastructure and to gain insights into energy consumption patterns across diverse sectors and geographic regions. Examples of downstream innovation in this context is the use of GNSS and EO technologies to enhance energy infrastructure resilience and efficiency in smart grids by adapting to real-time demand changes or to facilitate the monitoring and management of electricity distribution networks.
• Climate adaptation and Environmental footprint reduction: The implementation of effective Climate adaptation measures can foster climate resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change, in communities, ecosystems and infrastructure. GNSS and EO technologies provide accurate and up to date data for assessing climate risks, prioritizing adaptation measures and allocate resources effectively to reduce environmental footprint, enabling a deeper understanding of climate change impacts and informing effective mitigation strategies. This includes the development of innovative downstream applications to prepare and respond effectively, improving disasters preparedness through early warning systems for extreme events, strengthening biodiversity and ecosystems services, promote afforestation and reforestation, manage water resources and water allocation more efficiently, implement climate resilient agriculture practices. Moreover, space-based solutions play a crucial role to reduce resource consumption, environmental impact, pollution and ecological degradation, fostering industry sustainability practices. Proposals should address one or more of the aforementioned areas, leverage digital tools based on innovative technologies such as AI/Big Data/Quantum/Blockchain/Digital Twins, etc., explore synergies with Satcom, as well as ensure the involvement of private sector as end users for the proposed solution and commercial exploitation.
• Green financing and insurance: Green financing involves the allocation of funds to support environmentally sustainable projects. Concurrently, green insurance offers coverage for risks tied to sustainability, climate change, and eco-friendly activities. These insurance products incentivize responsible practices, providing protection against environmental challenges. Both green financing and insurance contribute to fostering sustainability by directing financial resources and risk management strategies toward initiatives that promote positive environmental and social outcomes. Space technologies can play a pivotal role by providing accurate data to ensure transparency, accountability and risk management for the assessment and monitoring of environmental projects funded by green financing.
• Liveable cities of the future: The share of the world’s population living in cities is constantly increasing. Currently governments have the goal to move cities towards a better liveable future. Tomorrow cities can drive and take advantage of innovation and new downstream space technologies as they are the biggest digital platform. Solutions should develop space-based applications and technologies with focus on commercial exploitation for the modernisation of cities. Examples of areas to be analysed are smart waste and waste water managements, drinking water management, green constructions, urban green, urban mobility and public transports, urban logistics, health and well-being, public safety, sustainable tourism, as well as the monitoring of urbanisation patterns (e.g. land coverage, urban sprawl, heat islands), assessing the link between urban and peri urban/rural areas and interdependencies of cities with their regional areas, improving disasters preparedness and preventive/proactive urban planning, supporting investment in more climate resilient infrastructures etc. In parallel with modernisation of liveable cities another important objective is to preserve the past and valorise the cultural heritage trough monitoring sites mitigating the effects of mass tourism, climate change, subsidence and pollution. Synergies with satellite communications can also be explored. Proposals are expected to ensure the involvement of cities’ authorities as either end users or regulatory authorities supporting the uptake of the proposed innovative solutions.

Each proposal should address only one of the four areas outlined above, which must be clearly identified.

The proposals under this topic should present a business plan.

Proposals are expected to promote cooperation between different actors (industry, SMEs and research institutions, city authorities, and where relevant, Copernicus Entrusted Entities) and consider opportunities to quickly turn technological innovation into commercial exploitation.

When applicable and upon request of the granting authority, the beneficiaries may be asked to interact with the EU Space Programme, through the most relevant expert group(s) configuration(s), with the purpose of giving feedback about the EU Space Programme.

Proposals under this topic should explore synergies with Space Based Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) systems, and be complementary to already funded actions in the context of technology development at component level. In particular, it is expected that projects make use of existing European technologies and/or building blocks at component level contributing to European non-dependence and strengthen competitiveness. Furthermore, proposed activities should be complementary to national activities and activities funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and if applicable Destination Earth.

Proposals addressing Galileo PRS (Public Regulated Service) related applications are not in the scope of this action.

International cooperation is encouraged in this topic.

In this topic, the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort.

[1] Space data relates to data and services provided by the EU Space programme components.