A new channel for companies to influence: The Business Working Group of the Finnish Space Committee has been renewed
A new channel for influencing and information flow will open up for Finnish space companies, as the condensed composition of the Business Working Group of the Finnish Space Committee started its operations under the guidance of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
The renewal of the working group responds to the growing need of the sector to participate in the formulation of national space policy and strategy more directly and efficiently than before. The working group's tasks consist extensively of strengthening cooperation between business and administration and promoting the development of a favourable business environment.
The Business Working Group aims to strengthen the voice of companies in the preparation of space policy and to ensure that the business environment in the sector develops competitively and predictably. The new structure will enable a closer dialogue between the authorities, research institutes and the business community.
"Companies now have a direct channel to express their needs and views in areas such as the development of regulation, funding and international cooperation", says Tero Vihavainen, Chief Specialist at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and Secretary General of the Finnish Space Committee.
The members of the Business Working Group consist of key actors in the development of space business, including technology companies, enablers of business growth and success, and representatives of the public sector. The industry is represented by Beyond Gravity Finland Oy, Iceye Oy, NorthBase Oy and ReOrbit Oy, as well as the Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries PIA ry, which bring with them strong expertise in commercial space activities and technological development. The other members of the working group are Business Finland, ESA BIC Finland, ESA Phi-Lab Finland, the National Emergency Supply Agency, Tesi (Finnish Industry Investment Ltd) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
The launch of the condensed composition of the Business Working Group is part of a broader package of reforms to Finland's space activities and strategy, which aims to make Finland a pioneer in the space sector in Europe. According to the strategy, the utilisation of space services in different sectors of society, the strengthening of international cooperation and the development of competence are key priorities.
For companies, this means not only a better flow of information, but also the opportunity to have a direct impact on the future of the industry – whether it is satellite services, space technology or new business models.
The Business Working Group is also responsible for organising and coordinating the Space Business Forum. The event serves as a key meeting place for Finnish and international space operators, providing a forum for information exchange, networking and the creation of new cooperation opportunities. The Forum discusses topical themes from politics and funding to technological innovations, and it contributes to the working group's goal of strengthening the Finnish space ecosystem and business environment.
More information:
Tiina Nurmi, Chair of the Business Working Group, Business Finland
Lauri Kangas, Vice Chair of the Business Working Group, PIA ry
