The next generation of space technology will be responsible for delivering global internet, fighting climate change, and taking humanity to Mars. To accomplish such audacious goals, the industry will require talent with diverse skills and backgrounds from every walk of life. Space is the new economic frontier. An increasing number of entrepreneurs and “New Space” companies are building their business models around products or services for space and non-space markets.
To meet the growing demand for business education in this field, three renowned European business schools, University of St Gallen (HSG) from Switzerland, Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE) from Portugal, and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) from the Netherlands, have joined forces to launch the first European executive space business programme in collaboration with ESA, the European Space Agency.
The six-month programme consists of online sessions and three in-class modules, each of four to five days, in three different European countries. Each module takes on average 50-60 hours to complete (including the time you spend in-class). After the three modules the programme finishes with a two-day bootcamp at the European Space Research and Technology Centre.
During the programme you will work on a personal impact project, which challenges you to directly apply your learnings and make real and relevant impact on your business and role. For your impact project you will be supported by academics and industry experts.
The programme kick-off will take place online, followed by several online guest lectures and coaching session. The module ends with the live week at the University of St. Gallen. In Module 1 the focus is on understanding the environment around the New Space economy, understanding up- and downstream space markets, the challenges of scaling up your space venture, and business model innovation. Meet experts and peers and build relationships in the new space market.
In this module you will:
Module 2 is offered by Nova School of Business and Economics in Portugal and the focus is on demonstrating how to apply and develop innovation strategies in space industry to participants through classroom interaction, digital experience and experiential learning. This module provides a challenging opportunity to improve participants’ skill set and entrepreneurship roadmap in the space field. Before coming to Portugal, you will join several online guest lectures and coaching sessions to prepare for the live week.
In this module you will:
This module is offered by Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, in the Netherlands. In Module 3 the focus is on scaling up your business and the challenges faced by growing companies. Topics include harnessing your innovation strategy – the role of open innovation, developing a personal leadership vision for your space venture, building alliances and partnerships in the space innovation ecosystem, and scaling up your space business.
In this module you will:
Visit the Space for Business website to download the brochure and register for this unique programme in Europe.
The grande finale of this programme takes place at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC). ESA has sites in several European countries, but the ESTEC in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, is the largest. ESTEC is the technical heart – the incubator of the European space effort – where most ESA projects are born and guided through the various phases of development.
You will learn how ESA manages and shapes the European space ecosystem and have the opportunity to meet startups from the ESA incubation center in Noordwijk during Day 1. The next day is Graduation Day, where you will present your impact project to an audience of stakeholders and celebrate your graduation with fellow participants and invited guests.
The programme is a one-of-a-kind experience where the world of space meets the world of business. I enjoyed discussing various non-space viewpoints and gaining knowledge from other sectors. The lectures and exercises were balanced by facilitated and open interaction with the participants. With each module the dynamics of the group got even better! My expectations were exceeded.
Joana Kamenova, Commercialization Officer at the European Space Agency and 2022 Space for Business alumnus
The programme has been a really great opportunity for me. What made this experience so special was the dedication of the team and my peers, who were full of energy and willing to help with anything needed. I really enjoyed the networking aspect and getting to know how other areas of space and business are developing as well.
Gonzalo Martín de Mercado, Business Developer at the European Space Agency - ESA and 2022 Space for Business alumnus
