Italy's participation in ESA programmes has always been a fundamental complement to national or bi/multilateral programmes of cooperation of ASI, supporting national industry within the framework of European context, also often allowing the acquisition of a position of continental excellence. ASI's participation in ESA programmes allows, among other things, to selectively support specialization, to pursue excellence (best in class or second-best continental) and therefore, to produce returns in terms of improving competitiveness.

Italy, as a member of ESA, participates through its delegates on ESA boards and/or committees, working groups for defining all new initiatives proposed within the ESA framework. In particular, for activities requiring dedicated funding beyond the one already supplied for participation in the development programmes and ESA missions, ASI evaluates the endorsement of the activities each time one is proposed.