Dialogue with industry at the High Level Forum 2015

The impressive level of participation indicates a strong interest in preserving this dialogue.

In 2015, the High Level Forum took place on 2 June in ESTEC, ESA’s Technical Centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

At the event were 120 representatives of European industry ranging from system integrators, equipment suppliers, operators, downstream industry and SMEs, 14 delegates from ESA Member States, and representatives from the EC.

Results of the 2015 High Level Forum

The main evolutionary trends within the worldwide context were reviewed and, among the most important, it was highlighted that in 2015 a number of new initiatives have been proposed involving large constellations of satellites in low orbit.

Compared with past constellations, the number of satellites proposed in these new initiatives is dramatically higher (ranging from hundreds to thousands of satellites in the 150Kg class). These mega-constellations imply a paradigm shift.

Furthermore, the advent of the Internet-of-things requires satellite operators to make a quantum leap if they are to remain competitive over the next 20 years.

The progress made by the Agency vis-à-vis the transparency of the procurement process (e.g. procurement dashboard), the time-to-contract (e.g. Expro and Expro-plus), time-to-payment, and the creation of employment through the BICs were appreciated with respect to the recommendations stemming from the forum in 2013.

Mr. Brunet, an EC representative, presented his view about the Structured Dialogue with Industry and Space Industrial Policy. In broader terms, the EC highlighted the economic dimension of space activities explaining that the EU Flagship space programmes are not just about satellites, but are the economic tool that leverages public investments to induce growth and innovation.
 
It was anticipated that the EU Council, scheduled to take place at the end of June, would look into developing new initiatives devoted to new GOVSATCOM capability, an opportunity which could result in a new flagship programme of the EU. The setting up of an EC-structured dialogue with industry was announced that would help shape the priorities of the next EC budget envelope in view of the 2021-2028 cycle.

Outcome of the first roundtable

A first roundtable on “the short- and medium-term implementation perspectives with respect to the 2014 HLF recommended actions” was organised in the morning session. It focused on three main topics:

• Processes: how can we ensure that all industries have fair chances in the ESA programmes? How can we ensure that competition can be preserved in the long term?
• Use of space assets: which are the new initiatives?
• What are the new business models?

 

First roundtable: the short- and medium-term implementation perspectives of the 2014 HLF recommended actions – Animator: ESA DG Mr. J-J. Dordain, Thales Alenia Space (Mr. Galle), Airbus D&S Space System (Mr. Auque), OHB Group (Mr. Fuchs), HPS GmbH (Mr. Pfeiffer), RUAG (Mr. Wentscher), EARSC (Mr. Wensink), ESA Council vice Chairman (Mr. Le Gall), ESA’s Director of Technology and Director of Industry, Procurement & Legal Services.

Outcome of the second roundtable

A substantial part of the High Level Forum was dedicated to a debate about public-private partnerships. A roundtable discussion about “Which public-private partnership model for Europe? Which role for ESA?” was moderated and introduced by Prof. J-D. Woerner, ESA’s elected Director General.

Main conclusion

Maintaining a dialogue between industry and institutions will remain a priority, facilitated by the High Level Forum event.
 
 
For further information, please contact:

Eric Guilmet
ESA Head of the Industrial Policy and SME division
Email: Eric.Guilmet@esa.int