The Space Economy is now recognized by the OECD as one of the most effective drivers of economic growth, extending far beyond the space sector itself . At the same time, space has become a significant foreign policy and 'soft diplomacy' tool, showcasing great flexibility and the ability to penetrate often structurally diverse cultural and social environments.
These issues are more relevant than ever in the face of a rapidly and continuously changing international context. This is due to the emergence of new countries eager to establish themselves in the sector and the planning difficulties caused by the ongoing global economic crisis and its sometimes protectionist repercussions.
Italy, aware from the very beginning of the great political, social, and economic value of all space-related activities, has always distinguished itself in bilateral and multilateral cooperation by participating in numerous and important international projects—both through its Agency and directly at the governmental level.
Large space infrastructure programs, as well as those with a high scientific profile, by their very nature, require the mobilization of significant technological and financial capabilities. At the same time, cooperation in such areas presupposes a geopolitical connotation, making the European and/or international dimension essential for the most efficient and effective achievement of the goals of development and enhancement of existing national capabilities.
Highlighting the complexity of the international relations system that ASI faces are, among other tasks, the need to continue ensuring Italy's role and participation in international multilateral coordination processes in various global contexts. These include the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), as well as strategic areas such as Earth observation (GEO, CEOS), exploration of the universe (ISECG), Medicine and Microgravity (ISLSWG), space debris analysis (IADC), satellite navigation (ICG), and security.
