OECD launches data-analysis initiative to help space agencies and governments

Paris, 21 Feb 2006

The OECD has launched a Global Forum on Space Economics to help space agencies and governments better analyse the opportunities and challenges of the space sector and its technology applications.

The Forum will collect and evaluate data and socio-economic indicators and provide evidence-based analysis to help agencies and governments shape policies to ensure that the potential of space is more fully realized.

Initial founders of the Forum are British National Space Center, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, Canadian Space Agency, Dutch Ministry of Trade and Industry, European Space Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Norway Space Center, U. S. Geological Survey. Other agencies and ministries from OECD countries are expected to join in the coming months.

A companion Working Group will be launched in June 2006 which will include representatives of the private sector as well as other interested parties.

The Forum has been created for an initial period of 3 years; renewal will be subject to review.

For more information on the OECD's International Futures Programme, please go to http://www.oecd.org/futures.

To obtain a copy of Space 2030: Tackling Society's Challenges, journalists are invited to contact the OECD's Media Relations Division (tel. + 33 1 45 24 97 00). For further information, please contact Pierre-Alain Schieb of the OECD's International Futures Programme (Pierre-alain.schieb@oecd.org ; tel. + 33 1 45 24 82 70).

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
http://www.oecd.org
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