The space technology revolution

Published on April 2nd, 2026

Space technologies are rapidly evolving from specialized tools into core infrastructure shaping economies, security, and science. As commercialization accelerates, the relationship between governments and private actors is being redefined. In this session, speakers explored how space is becoming a strategic domain and what it will take to remain competitive in a fast-moving global landscape.  

The full session can be viewed in the recording below.  

Key takeaways

• Space is becoming an essential infrastructure for communication, navigation, and observation 

• Commercial actors are playing an increasingly central role 

• Governments are shifting toward procurement and partnership models 

• Regulatory complexity is slowing innovation and commercialization 

• Investment gaps risk limiting long-term competitiveness 

Policy recommendation

Europe should scale space investment and streamline procurement/regulation to keep pace with market growth and secure strategic autonomy.

Please join the conversation and share your perspective.

Copyright: © 2026 [author(s)]. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in the Frontiers Policy Labs is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.