The ESA Technology Transfer Programme Office
The main mission of the Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO) is to demonstrate to Europe’s citizens some of the benefits of the European Space Programme and to strengthen the competitiveness of European industry.
European industry is strengthened by encouraging the beneficial as well as commercial use of space technologies for non-space applications which in turn leads to innovative products and the generation of new jobs within Europe.
Space research has focused on developing and perfecting technologies and processes to unprecedented levels to ensure they can cope with the very harsh nature of space. Technologies and components for space are characterised by:
Space technologies fall into many categories: materials (composites, alloys, metals); hardware and software; automation and robotics; electronics, sensors and optics; communications; power and energy devices.
Much of this technology can be transferred to new and often highly beneficial applications on Earth – particularly those which improve everyday life. The range of these applications is enormous and ESA’s Technology Transfer and Promotion Office, now called the Technology Transfer Programme Office, was established in 1990 to facilitate technology transfer from space technologies to terrestrial applications and the commercialisation of such applications.
Benefits of Technology Transfer
The transfer of space technologies brings real benefits in many ways. Space technologies are already being used to enhance the life and wellbeing of ordinary citizens through, for example:
Space technologies can also be used by manufacturers to create, modify or improve new and existing components and products which, in turn, provide industry, commercial users and ultimately the general public with a wider choice of robust and reliable goods.
Technology transfer also strengthens European industry by identifying new business opportunities for providers of space technology and systems. This contributes to enhancing the know-how and competitiveness of these providers, as they broaden their business area and re-focus their space technologies and systems to serve several different fields.
In addition, technology transfer promotes the wider use and awareness of space technology and systems. While some spin-offs and projects do not necessarily and immediately result in tangible social and health benefits, they may still result in safety benefits in specialized sectors.
Space technologies are used by the motor racing, sailing and skiing communities, and sports fans can see their favourite teams and competitors gain an edge through the improvements resulting from space-based technologies.
Technology transfer has other less obvious benefits. For instance, in the context of European space activities, technology transfer can:
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ease the burden imposed on public resources through research and development (R&D) by adapting technologies, systems and know-how developed in the space sector to uses and applications in the non-space sector
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maximise the return on investment in ESA’s space research by its Member States
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minimise the duplication of research between the space and non-space sector
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provide cross-disciplinary opportunities for researchers to collaborate with other organisations
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provide economic potential and motivation for both technology donors and technology receivers where the social impact is high and the potential market is large.
In addition, technology transfer brings economic benefits by increasing revenues for both technology donors and receivers. Indeed, it is calculated that the revenues generated by the transfer of space technologies is from 15 to 20 times more than the expenditure of ESA Member States on ESA space programmes.
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Space Technology Transfer Initiatives
Since it began operating the Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO) has started several special initiatives – all of which have been aimed at transferring space technologies to non-space sectors.
Information on some of the key initiatives is given below.
ESA Business Incubation
ESA Business Incubation is one of the major initiatives of the TTPO. It first began in 2003 to help entrepreneurs with ideas involving the creative use of space technology or systems in non-space sectors. |
Helping entrepreneurs to get their businesses off the ground |
ESA Business Incubation assists start-up companies to get their business off the ground by providing funding and business development assistance.
Open call for technology transfer
TTPO is working towards establishing an open call for technology transfer proposals, where ideas for technology transfer can be submitted at any time.
ESA Health Care Network
The ESA Health Care Network (EHCN) was officially launched in early 2004 to develop, promote and commercialise solutions for health care and wellbeing derived from space research and development.
The network’s prime target is the service sector and industries working in the growing market of wellness and preventive medicine. The network will collaborate with European institutions, industries and service providers to use science and technology to improve health and the quality of life here on Earth.
Harsh Environment Initiative
In 1997 the ESA TTPO established a Harsh Environment Initiative (HEI) whereby technologies specifically developed for the harsh environment of space were transferred and applied to the oil and gas industries and the mining sector which also operate in remote and harsh environments.
The fundamental goals of the initiative are to promote the transfer of space technology to non-space applications, and to foster international cooperation among companies and institutions in Member States to achieve this goal. A measurable goal is the establishment of partnerships, where research institutions or organizations establish close working links with both space donors and industry to solve specific technical challenges.
