Technology to-do list helping secure Europe’s non-dependence

The list was elaborated in a joint task force together with Member States organisations, industry and academia, and contains 39 non-dependence actions in technology domains such as materials, electronic and photonic components, green propellants and complex structures.

One of the key objectives of the European Space Policy is to ensure non-dependence on critical technologies. This requires significant efforts in a large array of domains such as skills, sustainable European industrial capabilities, appropriate public policies and regulations as well as forward-looking research and technology.

Europe’s ability to get access to key enabling technologies is crucial to both space and defence capabilities. In view of the commonalities between the defence and space domains, since 2009, ESA, the European Commission (EC) and European Defence Agency (EDA) have run the European non-dependence process through a joint task force for critical technologies. 

The objective is to map key technology needs and to identify priority actions to be implemented within European or national programmes.

On 13 February, the results of the third European non-dependence process were presented to Member States and industry. The final list of urgent actions for 2015–17 was finalised on 18 March.

From October 2014 to February 2015 the joint task force together with Member States organisations, industry and academia conducted a consultation process to find consensus on the most urgent research actions. 

The resulting action list promotes synergies between ESA, EC and EDA activities and serves as input for the upcoming Horizon 2020 Space workplan.

This successful joint process illustrates the commitment of both Member States and European institutional actors in securing those key technologies that reinforce Europe’s supply chain and thus its strategic independence and security.