Austrian Space Strategy
Austria has built up specific competencies and technological leadership that are essential for participation in international value chains. A highly competitive supplier industry consisting of numerous dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises, an increasing number of start-ups and established research institutions characterize Austria's space landscape. (For more information on the Austrian space sector, see Austria in Space). In this context, the Austrian Space Assistance Program ASAP, which has been in place since 2002, plays an important role. ASAP has leverage effects towards ESA and the European Union as well as towards the commercial space market and is thus crucial for the Austrian space sector. ASAP is also the central element for the development of space applications in Austria.
In addition to involvement in missions at the European and international level, a significant part of space-based activities is focused on benefits for society: Space-based data and services offer high value for sustainable policy making and for innovative solutions in areas such as climate protection and environmental monitoring, land use, renewable energies, mobility, and weather and disaster management. In addition, space supports the green and digital transformation of our society and economy.
For this reason, a number of strategic objectives from other fields have an impact on the Austrian space sector and its framework conditions. The Austrian government program 2020-2024 addresses climate neutrality in 2040 and the solution of global challenges through research and innovation. Climate protection is at the forefront here, but sustainability as a whole is also of great importance: "Protecting the environment and a strong economy must not be a contradiction in terms. Our business location can become even more dynamic, we can create more and better jobs, if we invest in sustainability." The German government's Strategy for Research, Technology and Innovation 2030 emphasizes the use of research, technology and innovation (RTI) to achieve climate targets, in addition to internationalization and the expansion of European and international collaborations. The space sector can make a key contribution to this. The following climate-related measures are highlighted in particular: Developing key technologies to improve climate protection; pushing cross-sectoral cooperation and implementing holistic solutions (for example, construction and energy sectors, mobility); expanding relevant data collection and use of digitalization and networking of actors.
Space data and services play an important role in connection with the Mobility Master Plan 2030 and the implementation measures in the RTI Mobility Strategy, in the implementation of the Austrian Energy Research Strategy, and overall in the implementation of the government's goal of making Austria climate-neutral by 2040.
Strategic measures and targets until 2030
The Austrian Space Strategy 2030+ pursues the following six goals:
- Sustainable development on Earth and in space.
- Competitive space sector with high added value and sustainable jobs in Austria
- Scientific excellence for space and Earth exploration
- Space for all areas of life
- Talent and diversity for space
- Space dialogue with the population
For each of these goals, sub-goals and short- to long-term measures are defined, which fall under the responsibility of the BMK. These will be supplemented or expanded as implementation progresses.
Austrian Space Strategy 2030+
The goals of the Space Strategy 2030+ in detail
Goal 1: Sustainable development on Earth and in space.
2030. Austria is a pioneer in supporting sustainable development on Earth and in space and is known for its commitment at the national, European and international levels. Austria uses its broad field of expertise and demonstrates in a vivid way how space technologies and their applications support the goal of sustainability. Ecological, economic and social sustainability includes the climate goals of the federal government, the UN Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate protection (SDG 13), as well as the UN guidelines for long-term sustainability, including space traffic management and avoidance.
Goal 2: Competitive space sector with high value creation and sustainable jobs in Austria.
2030. The Austrian space sector is highly innovative and an indispensable part of international value chains. Established and new Austrian companies and research institutes are increasingly developing new products and services for satellites, launchers and ground infrastructures for the European and international market, which have a clear competitive advantage in terms of performance and cost. Austrian research institutes and companies make technological contributions to exploration activities. Austria's specific competencies and technological leadership have been further developed and the business location strengthened. Austria's international competitiveness is high and highly qualified
Goal 3: Scientific excellence for space and Earth exploration.
2030. Austria has further strengthened its commitment to space sciences (for example, astronomy, astrophysics, planetary sciences and space weather), exploration and space-based geosciences in international comparison. The BMK strategy for the Austrian space sector complements the all-Austrian university development plan, the corresponding development plans of the respective universities, and the performance agreement with the Austrian Academy of Sciences.
Goal 4: Space for all areas of life
2030. In Austria, the data and signals generated by weather, earth observation, telecommunications and navigation satellites are used as an integral part of everyday life by everyone as a matter of course. The services based on them have high service quality and reliability and are easy to obtain and use. The data and services provide high value for sustainable policymaking and for innovative solutions in areas such as climate change mitigation and environmental monitoring, land use, renewable energy, mobility, and weather and disaster management. Data from space supports the green and digital transformation of our society and economy.
Goal 5: Talent and diversity for space.
2030.Sufficient talent is available for a thriving and innovative space sector. Diversity is lived. Austria has increased the supply of space-related education and training, and this supply is known to the population.
Goal 6: Space dialog with the population
2030. Space fascinates and inspires. Citizens living in Austria have a high awareness of the role and importance of the space sector in everyone's everyday life.