Defining and Measuring the Space Economy to Support Policymaking

Abstract As space applications become more pervasive in the global economy, decision-makers in public and private organizations require increasingly robust evidence on the space economy to regulate and foster further innovation. This chapter provides the rationale for better defining and measuring the space economy based on concepts and lessons learned in the OECD Space Forum. It provides definitions for the main space activities and segments, identifying what should or should not be included and why. It also provides an overview of good measurement practices—from industry surveys to thematic accounts connected to national accounts—and addresses challenges related to emerging space activities. It concludes with recommendations to improve international comparability of space economy estimates.