Research & Technology

Driving Competitiveness Through Innovation

Technological Innovation is at the core of Europe’s ability to be a global leader in space. Eurospace plays a central role in ensuring that the European space industry stays competitive, forward-looking, and resilient in a rapidly evolving international environment.

Since the late 1990s, Eurospace has been a trusted partner for institutions such as ESA, the European Commission, and national space agencies. We contribute actively to the ESA end-to-end technology strategy and the Technology Harmonisation process, and we provide industry perspectives on the European Union’s Framework Programmes for Research & Innovation. By consolidating input from our members, we make sure institutional roadmaps and funding programmes are aligned with the real needs of industry.

This constant policy and technology watch allows Eurospace to anticipate challenges, foster cross-sector collaboration, and help Europe’s space community maintain its reputation for technical excellence, innovation, and autonomy.

The Space Partnership – Industry at the Heart of Horizon Europe

A key element of our work today is the Co-Programmed Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (GCSS), launched under the Horizon Europe programme. This initiative reflects a new model of cooperation between the European Commission and the space industry: rather than institutions deciding priorities in isolation, they are co-created with industry through structured dialogue.

To achieve this, Eurospace joined forces with four other European associations (EASN, EASTRO, ESRE, and SME4Space) to establish SPACE AISBL: the dedicated association representing the European space supply chain in this partnership.

Through the Partnership:

Industry and the Commission co-design research and innovation priorities, ensuring investments address strategic competitiveness and real-world needs.

A jointly agreed development plan sets the direction for Horizon Europe work programmes in areas such as satellite communications, Earth observation, and new space transportation solutions.

Member organisations can contribute directly to shaping future calls for proposals, ensuring alignment with their innovation strategies.

For Eurospace members, this means not only visibility but also influence in the definition of Europe’s R&D agenda.

Learn more about the Space Partnership here: space-aisbl.org

ORDIN – A Trusted Industry Consultation Method

Alongside our engagement in European partnerships, Eurospace coordinates the ORDIN process (Organised Dialogue on Research and INnovation). This is our established consultation framework, designed to ensure inclusivity, representativity, and convergence of industry input. ORDIN delivers value by:

Striking the right balance between high-level strategic vision and detailed technical requirements.

Gathering input from recognised experts and specialists across technology domains.

Ensuring contributions from large companies, SMEs, and research organisations, giving a full-spectrum industry view.

Producing a unified, visible outcome recognised by European institutions as the voice of the supply chain.

The ORDIN process is organised under the Eurospace Innovation, Technology Strategy Committee, which provides governance, continuity, and legitimacy to the outcomes.

Why This Matters for Members

Eurospace’s involvement in Research & Technology is not an abstract exercise. It directly benefits members by ensuring they are heard, represented, and supported in Europe’s decision-making processes. Members gain:

Direct Influence: Opportunities to shape Horizon Europe calls and priorities in key technological domains, from space systems competitiveness to industrial processes and new launch solutions.

Strategic Foresight: Early awareness of upcoming opportunities, funding lines, and institutional orientations, allowing companies to plan their innovation strategies well in advance.

Unified Industry Voice: Through Eurospace, individual organisations contribute to a strong, collective position that carries weight in Brussels and at ESA, ensuring industrial concerns are recognised and acted upon.

Collaboration & Networking: Access to cross-sector dialogues with peers across the supply chain – from large system integrators to SMEs, RTOs, and universities – strengthening opportunities for partnerships and joint projects.

Research&Technology

Research & Technology

The Space Partnership – Industry at the Heart of Horizon Europe

ORDIN – A Trusted Industry Consultation Method

Why This Matters for Members