G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2021 [Oct/2021]
On 20 and 21 September 2021, the
Italian Space Agency (ASI) opened the door to the G20
Space Economy Leaders Meeting 2021. Over two days, Heads of the G20 Space
Agencies discussed the contribution of the Space Economy to the global economy,
and the need to continue raising awareness among the G20 community, with the
ultimate goal of including space among the topics of the Summit.
In this setting, the OECD Space Forum developed
a background
paper providing “new evidence on how space technologies can promote growth
and well-being in G20 economies and beyond”. The document identifies some of the key challenges that
need to be addressed and suggests a number of policy options for decision-makers.
The OECD outlines the critical importance
of space in the world’s continuously expanding digitalization regarding social
well-being, climate (change) monitoring, and economic innovation. In parallel,
the efforts to measure space activity and its outputs have increased
significantly within multiple G20 states. This allows for higher awareness and
accountability for decision-makers.
The report also identifies
various critical points for the future of the sector, i.e. the rapidly filling
earth orbit which can limit future economic prosperity if not addressed
properly or an increasing competition of skilled workforce and the remaining
issue of a large gender gap within the sector.
OECD 2021, Space Economy for People,
Plant and Prosperity,
https://www.oecd.org/sti/inno/space-forum/space-economy-for-people-planet-and-prosperity.pdf