Entrepreneurship Beyond Earth: Innovation and Commercialization in the Space Sector
Keywords:
Commercialization, Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Innovation, New Space Economy, Space Entrepreneurship, SustainabilityAbstract
The New Space Economy represents a shift from government-dominated space activities toward an entrepreneurial, innovation-driven, and commercially oriented ecosystem. The article examines entrepreneurship through entrepreneurial agency, innovation ecosystems, dynamic capabilities, combinatorial novelty, and digital ecosystem orientation. It highlights emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, small satellites, Earth observation, additive manufacturing, big data, and cloud computing as key drivers of innovation and commercialization. Commercialization follows a non-linear process involving idea generation, R&D, prototyping, testing, funding, market entry, revenue generation, and scaling. Emerging business models include B2B, B2G, platform-based, subscription, satellite-as-a-service, data monetization, and public–private partnerships. Major challenges include high investment requirements, technological uncertainty, lengthy development cycles, regulatory barriers, funding constraints, and sustainability concerns. The article emphasizes collaboration among governments, industries, universities, investors, and intermediaries. Future opportunities include autonomous systems, space manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, lunar economies, and space-based solar power.
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