ERA-STAR Regions network
About this good practice
Space in the regions : the ERA-STAR Regions network unites European regions and “smaller” countries that have developed particular competences in space research. In these regions, the space sector has a high technological profile and is, to varying degrees, interwoven into the regional industrial and research landscape.
These space-based clusters, often including both industrial and academic players, are important knowledge-based networks that help drive regional economic growth and prosperity.
ERA-STAR Regions’ members include national ministries and regional authorities and agencies responsible for regional development and innovation planning.
A policy group, composed of governmental representatives (ministers or high-level officials), one for each partner country or region, will be created in order to involve policy-makers at regional and national levels.
The key stakeholders are active in promoting and supporting scientific research and industrial innovations in the space sector that complement European and national programmes.
Therefore, with space activities expected to grow significantly in the future, the ERA-STAR Regions’ members are coordinating their existing regional programmes or regional initiatives on space research and innovation for the mutual benefit of their regions following the national and European space programmes.
Resources needed
The project "ERA – Space Technologies Applications & Research for the Regions and medium-sized Countries" was coordinated by the the 'Service Public de Wallonie'
Evidence of success
2 joint calls delivered
Potential for learning or transfer
Creating space to grow : through exchanging information and good practice the network’s research programme managers are setting the groundwork for future joint projects.
Given that the network comprises many regions with their own governmental and administrative structures, particular attention is being paid to removing the administrative and legal obstacles to cooperation in collaborative projects.
The longer-term goal is to launch joint calls for proposals that will cement transregional cooperation and build the distributed resource bases that respond to the large RTD demands of the space industry, as well as taking the products of space research and developing innovative spin-off applications for the benefit of Europe’s citizens.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Service public de Wallonie