SME4SPACE focuses on supporting and representing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at policy discussions with the European Space Agency (ESA), and the European Commission (EC). The initiatives aim to strengthen the competitiveness of European SMEs by integrating them more actively into the space industry value chain and enhance their role in the market, while influencing European public policies to create a supportive environment for their development.
Two different approaches, for two different organisations.
European Space Agency (ESA)
Since its creation SME4SPACE works in close collaboration with ESA’ SME Office to have a single voice and a harmonised communication channel with ESA.
SME4SPACE is notably working on topics such as:
- ESA Profitability Improvement
- European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS NexGen)
- Stronger implementation of Small Programming
- ESA Harmonisation Space Technology Master Plan
With the support of the SME Office and in collaboration with the University KU Leuven, SME4SPACE also provides on-going studies on:
- European Space SME’s Financial Viability: Insights and Policy Perspectives – 2022
European Union
With the European Union, the connection of SME4SPACE happens through its relationship with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG Defis), and the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). SME4SPACE is involved in on-going discussions with the DG DEFIS, and participate in numerous EU funded policy projects.
SME4SPACE is a funding member of the European Union’s SPACE public-private partnership, the SPACE Partnership.
The SPACE aisbl is an initiative of the European Commission and the 5 representative organisations of the space supply chain SME4SPACE, Eurospace, EASTRO, ESRE and EASN to identify together the topics of the Horizon Europe work programmes 2025, 2026 and 2027 in the domains of Earth observation, Satcom and New space transportation systems.
Under the co-programmed initiative, €100 million EU-funding will be allocated to the three topics mentioned and our role is to bring the voice of SMEs in the elaboration of the calls.
SME4SPACE is also partnering in several key EU projects
- HEU ASTRAIOS
- HEU Space
- H2020 CHEOPS LP / MP
- H2020 USE IPM
SME4SPACE take action with Intergroups at the European Parliament
- Sky & Space Intergroup
Other policy initiatives
As the representative of SMEs to European decision-makers, SME4SPACE works to ensure that space policies address the specific needs of its member companies in terms of financing, regulation, and access to space programmes. Through regular consultations and strategic recommendations, SME4SPACE influences decisions makers to take actions to support innovation and competitiveness of the European space industry.
