SMEs should look to space sector

10/04/2007  16:56:16

Small to medium sized enterprises are being encouraged to enter the space race.

SME representatives met with space industry firms and research institutes as part of the Space Intelligence, Engineering and Quality Network (Sinequanet) event last week to discuss ways to involve small businesses in the field.

Sinequanet was formed in 2005 by the European Space Industry (ESA) and the European Commission (EC) in a bid to support small firms with an eye on making money from the stars and has resulted in the development of training courses, development projects and funding for new technology programmes and company legislation.

Eric Morel from the ESA, remarked: "On several occasions in recent years we have seen SMEs come up with really innovative ideas; ideas that were not coming from large businesses, which in general build more on their experience."

"Sometimes SMEs have provided breakthrough solutions which have played a very important role in the life of the agency."

There are thought to be just 1,530 business start-ups suppliers registered with the ESA.

See copyright notice

     

Other Top Business News Stories