The Emerging Role of the Private Sector in the Space Economy

The new space economy ecosystem is no longer dominated solely by major international players. Today, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are taking on a strategic role thanks to their ability to innovate rapidly and develop specialized solutions. Access to more affordable technologies—such as nanosatellites and data analytics services—has lowered entry barriers, fostering the emergence of competitive startups and SMEs. These entities contribute to market diversification, accelerating research and experimentation in areas such as telecommunications, Earth observation, and downstream services, among others. Collaboration between large corporations and SMEs is therefore becoming a key driver of sustainable and inclusive growth in the new space economy.