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We need to improve utilisation of space potential

A new survey shows that there is much underutilised potential of the space field in Denmark. New legislation, increased knowledge, better coordination and development of a strategy within the space field is needed.

Denmark needs a national strategy for space if it is to support the better utilisation of commercial opportunities and increase research and education within the space field. The strategy is just one of the recommendations based on a new survey of the space field in Denmark.

- Space activity offers great potential for innovative Danish companies. Space technology can lead to the development of new technological solutions to improve our daily life on Earth. We must therefore provide good framework conditions for companies, researchers and authorities, says Minister for Higher Education and Science Esben Lunde Larsen, who has just received the new survey.

The survey also recommends to develop a national space law to create a framework for companies and other operators, as well as creating a good foundation for Denmark to be an active and attractive space nation.

Furthermore, coordination of Danish space activities needs to be improved and knowledge of companies, turnover, grants, core competences, areas of growth and societal benefits of the space field should be gathered.

- We should get the best possible benefit from the funds we invest in space activities. It requires a better overall coordination, policy and strategy for the space field. I am therefore putting the wheels in motion for the development of a long-term national space strategy, says Esben Lunde Larsen.

Highlights of the survey include:

  • Space strategy: A strategy should help Denmark utilise the commercial opportunities, strengthen the way in which the public sector handles relevant tasks, as well as increase research and educational opportunities in the area.
  • Legislation: A national strategy will create a framework for companies and other operators while also creating a good foundation for Denmark to be an active and attractive space nation.
  • Increased evidence and knowledge: Knowledge of companies, turnover, grants, core competences, areas of growth and societal benefits of the space field should be gathered.
  • Increased coordination: Organisation of collaborative efforts of the authorities should support a more holistic approach with active efforts e.g. making contact with companies, research institutes and authorities with the aim of identifying and strengthening collaborative opportunities even further.

The Agreement on distribution of the research reserve in 2016 allocated DKK 15 million to support the recommendations in a future strategy for the space field. The funding will be allocated through Innovation Fund Denmark.

A bill on the regulation of activities in outer space is expected to be submitted in February 2016. A draft of the legislation has been released for public consultation.

About the working group:

The working group comprised representatives from the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Climate, the Ministry of Business and Growth, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Transport and Building, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the Ministry of Higher Education and Science (chairman).

For further information please contact:

Head of secretariat Line Gulløv Lundh, Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation, tel. +45 7231 8206, e-mail lgl@fi.dk

Press and communications adviser Steen Bruun Jensen, tel. +45 7231 8216, e-mail sbj@fi.dk