Regional convergence platforms in Europe—Innovation for space through technology partnerships

Upcoming European and national space exploration programs and projects require new capabilities and scientific-technological solutions, and therefore external contributions to innovation. On the other hand European core (industrial) regions are searching of partners for innovation to strengthen their regional economy. In this context the German-based company European Space Innovation AG (former Adam Alva Neil)—highly experienced in the area of convergence activities between space and other sectors—has developed the model of regional convergence platforms (named ‘SpaceInnovation’). These platforms are designed to foster technology partnerships between regional companies and institutes from ‘non-space’ and the space sector (agencies/industry). The article reflects this regional approach and shows examples in three different directions:
• SpaceInnovation Saar, an benchmark convergence platform initiated by the Saarland region.
• SpaceInnovation Europe, an European regions network approach.
• European SpaceInnovation Agent, an interface approach for systematic and sustainable convergence activities.