Capture the European Space Industry

Purpose and goal

To strengthen national cooperation between the initiative that wishes to increase the number of Swedish suppliers to the space industry. The partners have been the Space Agency, ESA BIC Sweden, Business Sweden, the Swedish Embassy, ESA and Vinnova, which organized several meeting places. Contributing Swedish SMEs and startups have gained understanding, awareness of business opportunities and important networks around the space industry. A better understanding has been achieved for the demands made and how procurement is carried out in the space industry.

Expected results and effects

Several national venues have provided improved national collaboration between SMEs, startups and established space companies. By meeting Swedish and international suppliers to the space industry, the participants have gained increased industry skills. Networks have been strengthened both within the country and with the ESA and Dutch space industry. The participants met several Dutch space companies, resulting in initial business talks for future business between startups and space companies.

Planned approach and implementation

The project lasted from Nov 2016 until Dec 2017. Business Sweden had the role of external project manager for the 3 predefined steps. In May 2017 an introductory seminar was held with presentation from the Space Agency and ESA with participants from all over the country. In September 2017 two parallel workshops were conducted around downstream and upstream to increase knowledge about business opportunities. The project finalized with a delegation to ESTEC in Holland, Dec 2017, where participants gained insight and understanding in future ESA programs and ESA procurement processes.