Fostering Cooperation Through Technology Mapping

Abstract

1. Abstract This paper illustrates ways in which technology mapping may be used as an operational tool for space organisations to develop cooperation in space technology Research and Development (R&D). It is based on a pilot project undertaken at the International Space University's 2003 Summer Session Program, and sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA). Firstly, it presents the outcome of surveys and mapping of the space technology Research and Development (R&D) efforts among the civilian space agencies of China, Japan, Russia, and USA. Surveys consist of identifying each country's main space policies and strategies, explaining how they handle innovation in space technology, and assessing cooperation potentials. Technology mapping consists of listing, based on ESA classification, each country's main missions and technologies required to accomplish those missions. Secondly, a case study, focusing on the use of space technologies for the planning and operation of refugee camps, illustrates how space organisations can benefit from the standardised survey and mapping previously presented. This section details political mechanisms to allow inter-organisation collaboration in the field of remote sensing, telecommunication, and global navigation satellite systems. It also presents innovative and cost effective solutions in the field of micro-satellites. This paper demonstrates the benefits of utilising a common framework for surveying and mapping space technology R&D since it allows to identify gaps, overlaps, and to assess cooperation potential. The process should be broadened to other players in the space industry to become a significant and essential planning tool. To avoid duplicating technology-mapping efforts, and to overcome data availability issues, it is recommended to establish a cooperative knowledge-sharing forum.