Making the business case for space in the Netherlands

A recent event at the European Space Expo in The Hague brought together Dutch Members of Parliament and representatives of various space-based businesses from the Netherlands to make the case for space.

“We now fully realise how space is completely integrated into our daily lives.”

“Space creates opportunities, not only for big companies, but maybe even more for the smaller players and start-ups.”

“It’s clear that we need space solutions in order to overcome the challenges of climate change.”

These were just some of the reactions coming from Dutch Members of Parliament (MPs) following an event at the European Space Expo that brought together Dutch MPs and representatives from the private sector. The Space Continuum programme, organised by the Dutch space sector, was held just outside the Dutch Parliament in The Hague and in conjunction with the European Space Solutions conference happening this week.

The event kicked off with a presentation by Dutch astronaut Andre Kuipers, who shared stories from his time on the International Space Station. “When looking down from outer space, it becomes clear how we must take care of our planet, and that the way to do this is with space technology and applications,” he said. “Whether it’s Copernicus or Galileo, we are all astronauts on spaceship Earth.”

This notion that the answer to the challenges we face here on the ground come from space was echoed by Arnaud de Jong, chair of SpaceNed, the association of Dutch space companies. “Every one of us with a smartphone in our pocket is right now connected to several satellites,” he said. “Clearly, connectivity is the new oxygen.”

MPs had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an array of companies representing both the space sector and those who use space data. Discussions focused on such themes as how to improve the use of satellite data by government bodies, how to optimise the innovative climate for start-ups, and how to use space to inspire today’s youth to pursue careers in science and technology – among others.

Without exception, MPs were surprised and excited about the potential for space applications and the opportunities available to Dutch companies. “This was a very inspiring evening and I’m already planning to visit some Dutch space-based businesses to learn more,” said one MP. 

The European Space Solutions conference is organised by the European Commission and the European GNSS Agency (GSA) and held under the auspices of the Dutch Council Presidency. In addition to a packed agenda of presentations covering an array of sectors, the conference also features an exhibition of 50 innovative space applications, technology solutions and cutting-edge research coming from both across Europe and from right here in the Netherlands.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European GNSS Agency (GSA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the GSA website (http://www.gsa.europa.eu).