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Downstream Space Activities in the New Space Era: Paradigm Shift and Evaluation Challenges

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  • Kenza Bousedra

Abstract

New Space refers to the recent opening-up of the space sector to private companies. The liberalization of space activities, which coincides with the digital evolution of the economy, is associated with the rapid expansion of the downstream space segment, i.e., space-related commercial applications and services. In this paper, we explore the role of commercial space, and more specifically downstream activities, in the change occurring in the space sector. We discuss the implications of this trend for the measurement of commercial space and space policy. After a literature review that points out the space sector evaluation challenges, we analyze New Space and the service-oriented growth of commercial space. We finally propose a theoretical reflection on New Space as a shift toward a demand-pull paradigm. We conclude by discussing the interest of the dynamic approach to understand and evaluate commercial space in this new context.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenza Bousedra, 2021. "Downstream Space Activities in the New Space Era: Paradigm Shift and Evaluation Challenges," Working Papers of BETA 2021-53, Bureau d'Economie Théorique et Appliquée, UDS, Strasbourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:ulp:sbbeta:2021-53
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
    • L5 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy
    • L8 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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