FutureEO, critical enabler of EO benefits for the European economy and society [Oct/2022]
FutureEO (formerly called Earth Observation Envelope
Programme) is ESA’s cornerstone of Earth Observation. The programme develops
pioneering Earth Observation systems that respond to major science, societal
and environmental challenges concerning the Earth system and climate, while
expanding the use of EO-based information in society at large.
FutureEO is at the core of ESA’s Earth Observation
Programmes and carves out their long-term vision. This forward-looking research
and development programme harnesses novel ideas and concepts to forge
pioneering satellite mission to understand the Earth system for a more
sustainable future and strategic autonomy for Europe. It is a critical enabler
for major EO benefits for the European economy and society.
A study by the consulting company PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
was conducted to update the large 2019 socio-economic impact assessment of the
FutureEO Programme. The work demonstrated that the programme acts as a
foundation upon which Europe can build its EO infrastructure. An EO
infrastructure, such as Copernicus, which provides massive benefits to society.
The study considers two periods: 2018-2021 (ex-post period)
and 2023-2030 (ex-ante period). In the ex-post period, FutureEO (and EOEP-5) generates
a value added of €1.8 billion in ESA Member States, from an initial investment
of €954 million. In the ex-ante period, FutureEO activities are expected to generate
a value added of €3.2 billion for Europe from an initial investment of €1.6 billion.
FutureEO also supports the development of novel technologies
and knowledge, as well as supports industry through multistakeholder projects.
These projects enable participating firms to generate further revenues outside
FutureEO. These “spillovers” and related quantitative estimates have been assessed
using data collected through consultation with a sample of entities participating
in the programme’s activities.
As a research programme, the value of FutureEO comes from
when its innovations are scaled up in programmes like Copernicus. To illustrate
this effect qualitatively, PwC conducted three case studies to demonstrate the
utility of the programme. The case studies covered water management,
agriculture, and societal resilience.
FutureEO was found to support new technology through
provision of novel data generated from unique sensors, as well as supporting
the development of novel knowledge in all three case studies. Some of the key
areas included developing high resolution hydrology products across Europe,
which could feed into improved water management, development of crop monitoring
solutions that are under investigation for expansion as Copernicus Services,
algorithms to monitor many ECVs to support climate modelling, products for risk
assessment and response to extreme events like fires, floods, storms, and many
other cases.
For more information on FutureEO, please click here.
To access the full study report, please click here (please log-in to access).