Research implementation, methods and data, listed by work package

The SPACECONOMY project is structured into eight interlinked work packages (WPs) that form a coherent, multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem.

The work packages are interconnected through shared goals, methods, and iterative feedback loops. Each WP contributes to one or more of the project’s cross-cutting knowledge dimensions, economic, societal, and environmental sustainability, while WP5 additionally serves as a critical enabler of national resilience and wellbeing continuity across all others.

The economic dimension of SPACECONOMY emphasizes creating measurable value through innovation, support for start-ups and SMEs, scalable business models, and strengthened global competitiveness.

It is closely linked to several work packages: WP1, which develops AI-powered methods for utilizing satellite data to boost productivity and service design; WP3, which focuses on commercialization pathways and improving industry performance; WP4, which explores regulatory frameworks that enable sustainable growth; and WP6, which assesses the long-term economic impacts of space activities and related policy instruments. The societal dimension ensures that space-based solutions support well-being, regional inclusion, education and democratic resilience.

The societal outcomes of SPACECONOMY are supported across several work packages. WP1 focuses on integrating space data to address public service and welfare challenges, while WP2 develops educational and engagement pathways to build future competencies and inspire younger generations. WP4 explores how place-based innovation can be leveraged to reduce regional disparities, and WP6 assesses the long-term impacts of space innovations on societal welfare and cohesion. WP7 ensures inclusive public dialogue, promotes citizen science, and fosters transparency throughout the project.

Environmental sustainability is an increasingly central focus of both national and international space policies, and SPACECONOMY addresses this dimension across multiple work packages. WP1 enhances environmental analytics, situational awareness, emission monitoring, and cleantech verification using EO. WP4 integrates environmental objectives into regulatory and governance models, while WP5 focuses on space infrastructure resilience, including debris mitigation and secure GNSS services. WP6 evaluates the environmental co-benefits and risks of space activities, and WP7 promotes sustainability literacy and fosters informed public discourse.

A crucial cross-cutting element is WP5, which underpins all other WPs by ensuring that the space-based systems and services Finland depends on are resilient, secure, and ethically governed. GNSS and satellite data are embedded in nearly all sectors, from agriculture to logistics and emergency response, but society often underestimates the potential consequences of service disruption. SPACECONOMY highlights these interdependencies by addressing technical and policy dimensions of space system resilience (e.g. positioning continuity, signal authentication, debris mitigation). WP5 also underlines public understanding of space service reliability and risk, including ethical awareness among non-expert users. Moreover, strategic frameworks for continuity of governance and public services, aligned with emerging NATO resilience standards and EU critical infrastructure policies (see NATO, 2024 [33]; EUSPA Market Report, 2024 [6]). As such, WP5 acts as a foundational enabler and “resilience bridge” across the project. It ensures that Finland’s growing space economy is not only productive and inclusive but prepared for the systemic risks associated with space dependence, geopolitical tension, and climate-related disruptions.

The project's multidisciplinary design is essential for achieving societal impact. Economic models alone cannot capture the welfare benefits of e.g. GNSS-based mobility, nor can EO technologies succeed without policy legitimacy and public trust. Each WP integrates perspectives from engineering, data science, social sciences, business, and policy to ensure future-oriented, actionable research. SPACECONOMY supports this integration through shared infrastructure, co-design, living labs, joint scenarios, and real-world cases grounded in stakeholder collaboration.

Detailed WP activities are provided in Table 2. Each WP includes specific tasks, deliverables, key actors, and cross-links to other WPs. The work is also designed to complement and bridge existing structures, from national data strategies to educational curricula and regional innovation platforms, ensuring results are scalable and embedded in Finland’s broader digital transformation.

SPACECONOMY's highly interlaced work packages are:

WP1: Space data ecosystems, WP lead FMI, Prof. Johanna Tamminen, all contributing

WP1 focuses on unlocking the full societal and economic potential of space-based data in Finland by developing an integrated, scalable, and user-responsive space data ecosystem. It addresses key challenges in environmental monitoring, civil security, digital infrastructure, and sustainable economic reform through improved accessibility, reliability, and impact of Earth Observation (EO) and GNSS-based data.

The WP leverages existing European and national assets including the EU’s Copernicus programme (Sentinel satellite missions), other international EO platforms, FMI’s National Satellite Data Centre (NSDC) and Sodankylä Satellite Calibration/Validation Supersite.

WP1 also pilots the use of the LUMI AI Factory, supporting large-scale, AI-enabled EO and GNSS data applications. Scientific and technical advances in this WP include the development of AI/ML-driven processing pipelines, including uncertainty quantification, data fusion, and visualization tools, to create actionable, analysis-ready and AI-ready datasets across domains.

The WP identifies under-utilized application areas and builds the foundations for data economy growth and cross-sectoral data utilization in areas such as sustainable energy, precision agriculture, smart cities, and regional climate services. WP1 will work closely with WP4 to support policy design, regulatory assessment, and the national roadmap, with WP5 to ensure system resilience and security of data supply and WP7 to co-develop user engagement and capacity-building activities.

Key activities /Tasks

T1.1 Identifying high-impact application areas and domains for EO/GNSS dat
T1.2 Advancing decision-making systems powered by space-based data (e.g. environmental situational awareness) and identifying existing bottlenecks
T1.3 Enhancing space data collection, sharing and utilization across sectors. Mapping data flows, analysis methods and requirements, examining the needs and requirements for analysis ready data (ARD) and AI ready data.
T1.4 Evaluating data-sharing and governance frameworks, including regulatory and licensing models
T1.5 Ensuring security of data supply, quality control, and reference observations
T1.6 Strengthen public-private partnerships using FMI’s infrastructure and ecosystem coordination
T1.7 Pilot AI/ML use in LUMI AI Factory for EO and GNSS datasets; test methods and workflows with model integration
T1.8 Create a cross-sectoral data ecosystem framework, including tools for data fusion, AI-driven insights, and decision support across sectors

Deliverables

D1.1 Report on the use of EO/GNSS-based data and user needs in the society: public, governmental users and decision makers
D1.2 Report on business sector needs and data usage opportunities
D1.3 Multi-stakeholder workshop on future EO data applications and solutions
D1.4 Pilot study of using LUMI AI Factory EO/GNSS data applications and use cases
D1.5 System-level report on data ecosystem design and requirements for WP4 Roadmap

WP2: Science based education, WP lead UH, Prof. Emilia Kilpua, all contributing

WP2 strengthens Finland’s global competitiveness by accelerating the transformation of research into education-driven innovation and by cultivating a skilled and inclusive space economy workforce.

This WP develops strategic educational pathways and outreach programs for diverse target groups from students to professionals and policymakers ensuring long-term national capability in space technologies and AI-enhanced data use. WP2 closely collaborates with WP7 to maximize public engagement and policy relevance.

While Finland has excelled in translating scientific excellence into industrial success (e.g., ICEYE), growing demands for interdisciplinary talent and AI-literate professionals require more coordinated and inclusive educational models. WP2 addresses this need by mapping existing educational offerings, identifying gaps, and delivering new capacity-building initiatives across the ecosystem.

Educational activities will also promote understanding of AI/ML techniques used in the space sector, including their societal benefits and ethical risks, contributing to broader digital literacy and responsible AI adoption. In doing so, WP2 supports the principles of the OECD well-being framework (particularly skills, education and inclusion) and contributes directly to several UN SDGs (e.g. SDG 4 Quality education, SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 10 Reduced inequalities, and SDG 13 Climate action). Impact is monitored through continuous user feedback and engagement metrics to ensure that educational interventions respond to evolving needs.

Key activities /Tasks

T2.1. Develop inclusive courses and workshops on space data and AI/ML applications for educators, decision-makers, citizens and professionals
T2.2 Share knowledge of diverse AI techniques used across consortium parties in AI colloquia, highlighting those that are most interdisciplinary and having the widest societal use
T2.3 Launch an annual national Space Education Symposium to connect researchers, educators, industry and learners
T2.4 Strengthen collaborations with Universities of Applied Sciences to ensure practical and regional accessibility of space education
T2.5 Integrate industry partners & startups through training and industrial collaboration modules

Deliverables

D2.1 MOOC course on space science data and applications
D2.2 Introductory module targeted for Universities of Applied Sciences
D2.3 Report / Blog posts on annual Space Education Symposium
D2.4 Report / Blog posts on the established industry training program
D2.5 Open-access reports and blog posts on educational activities (courses, workshops, colloquia)
D2.6 Report / Blog posts on the AI / ML techniques at the space sector and their wider benefits

WP3: Productivity growth, entrepreneurship and R&D, WP lead A!, Assoc. Prof. Jaan Praks, all contributing

WP3 promotes productivity growth and innovation capacity in Finland’s space economy by fostering ecosystem development, accelerating research-to-market transfer, and supporting new business models based on AI and dual-use technologies.

It builds on national and European initiatives such as Winter Satellite Workshop, ESA BIC, and the ESA Phi-lab Network, and strengthens the space value chain from upstream R&D to downstream services and applications. The work package integrates economic research and systems-level analysis to better understand the macroeconomic impacts of space investments, while also supporting agile governance, talent attraction, and leadership development in the New Space sector.

WP3 further strengthens this foundation by mapping the pathway from idea to scalable business, identifying bottlenecks in the venture pipeline, and providing concrete recommendations for agile business models, innovation transfer, and ecosystem leadership to boost New Space entrepreneurship.

Public-private collaboration is enhanced to improve the uptake of innovations and facilitate the growth of a resilient, globally connected space ecosystem. WP3 aligns with WP1 and WP4 in supporting data-driven growth and governance, and with WP2 and WP7 in building a sustainable talent pipeline and engaging future entrepreneurs.

Key activities /Task

T3.1 Ecosystem development and collaboration: Facilitate stakeholder engagement, publish open collaboration guidelines, and identify best practices from successful space innovation ecosystems
T3.2 Talent and innovation: Expand university-led hands-on space programs, support ESA Phi-lab initiatives, and develop a matchmaking platform to connect space services with end users
T3.3 AI-driven productivity: Promote AI toolkits for upstream and downstream space applications, and explore AI-enabled business models in partnership with industry
T3.4 Market intelligence and agile business models: Analyze the Finnish and global New Space industry, estimate economic impacts on GDP and productivity, and develop recommendations on agile business models, leadership, and policy
T3.5 Innovation transfer and dual-use applications: Map and assess the venture pipeline, identify bottlenecks, and propose concrete actions to accelerate public-private innovation uptake and spin-off creation, especially in dual-use domains

Deliverables

D3.1 Ecosystem development toolkit (Winter Satellite Workshop expansion, open collaboration guides, academic contact catalogue, best practices report)
D3.2 Outputs from innovation and talent initiatives (Phi-lab activities, integration of space services in government workflows, matchmaking platform, curriculum reports)
D3.3 AI-focused tools and knowledge (seminars, prototype tools, business model white paper)
D3.4 Economic and leadership research outputs (impact assessment reports, productivity models, leadership transformation analysis)
D3.5 Policy proposal on dual-use innovation uptake and improved public-private partnerships

WP4: Sustainable governance for space economy, WP lead Uwasa, Prof. Arto Ojala, all contributing

WP4 develops the governance, policy and investment frameworks necessary to enable a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive space economy in Finland. It builds upon and extends the business models and economic insights from WP3 to the ecosystem and economy-wide level, focusing on regulation, international collaboration, data-driven decision-making and place-based innovation.

The WP emphasizes multi-level governance, ensuring that national space policy aligns with regional capabilities and societal needs. This includes developing AI-supported policy tools to promote transparency, fairness and inclusive stakeholder engagement, especially in regions with varying capacities to leverage space-based data.

A central output of WP4 is the national roadmap for a sustainable space economy, co-created with stakeholders from government, industry, academia and civil society. The roadmap will integrate findings from across the consortium (especially WP1, WP3, WP6, and WP7) and provide strategic recommendations on regulation, investment, and innovation aligned with Finland’s updated space strategy and global sustainability goals (e.g., UN SDGs).

WP4 applies a multidisciplinary approach combining qualitative case studies, international comparative policy analysis, stakeholder mapping, and a national survey to assess regional disparities and policy needs. Co-creation methodologies (shared with WP7) ensure that policymaking is inclusive, forward-looking and grounded in diverse regional contexts.

Key activities /Task

T4.1 Map current business models, investment gaps, and global market opportunities (with WP3)
T4.2 Develop regulatory frameworks that facilitate international cooperation and innovation
T4.3 Create AI-enhanced stakeholder collaboration models for investment and policy coordination
T4.4 Design place-based innovation policy frameworks and regional governance models
T4.5 Co-create the national roadmap for a sustainable space economy in Finland with public, private and civic stakeholders

Deliverables

D4.1 Joint article with WP3 on ecosystem-level space economy business models
D4.2 Research paper on regulation and AI-enhanced governance models
D4.3 Place-based innovation policy toolkit for public authorities
D4.4 National roadmap for Finland’s space economy, including governance, regulatory, and sustainability recommendations

WP5: National resilience and strategic preparedness, WP lead FGI-NLS, Prof. Hannu Koivula, all contributing

WP5 strengthens Finland’s resilience and strategic preparedness by safeguarding critical space-based services, particularly Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) and EO, against natural, technological, and intentional disruptions.

It functions as a horizontal work package, integrating findings from WP1 (data ecosystems), WP2 (education and capacity building), WP3 (ecosystem and innovation), WP4 (governance) and WP6 (impact analysis). WP5 contributes to civil security, continuity of services, and infrastructure protection in line with EU security frameworks, the UN Global Geodetic Reference Frame, and ESA’s Civil Security from Space initiative.

The work package develops AI-based tools for detecting and classifying GNSS disruptions and space system threats, while improving national capabilities in space situational awareness (SSA), geodetic data provision and EO-enabled situational forecasting. It supports regional resilience through the development of data-driven, satellite-enabled preparedness strategies, enhancing public sector capacity to respond to crises, environmental risks, and systemic shocks.

WP5 also evaluates regulatory readiness, contributes to national strategic planning and supports WP4’s roadmap through recommendations on resilience and critical infrastructure continuity.

Key activities /Task

T5.1 Identify PNT requirements across sectors and user groups
T5.2 Analyze disruption sources and vulnerabilities in GNSS and space-based services
T5.3 Assess end-user needs for PNT and EO-based situational awareness
T5.4 Develop AI-based threat detection and classification tools for GNSS disruptions
T5.5 Identify and model analogies for space debris threats
T5.6 Conduct light curve measurements and EO observations of debris analogue targets
T5.7 Build an open debris analogy target library and toolset for analysis
T5.8 Monitor Finland’s contribution to the UN Global Geodetic Development Plan and updates to WP4

Deliverables

D5.1 PNT disruption risk report and public outreach brief (linked to WP6 and WP7)
D5.2 Open GNSS interference dataset with associated AI classification tools
D5.3 Policy recommendations and training material on space resilience (linked: WP2 & CER Directive)
D5.4 Open debris analogy library with documentation and metadata
D5.5 Annual report on Finland’s geodetic infrastructure and role in the UN supply chain

WP6: Impact: Foresight for the economy and welfare, WP lead UTU, Dr. Marikka Heikkilä, all contributing

WP6 develops strategic foresight on the long-term economic and welfare impacts of Finland’s evolving space economy. It supports policy and roadmap design (WP4) by identifying how space-based innovations—particularly in EO, GNSS, and AI—can enable structural economic transformation, enhance public services, and build long-term resilience in an increasingly complex global environment.

The WP uses interdisciplinary and interactive methods, including Delphi with panel of domain experts across multiple rounds supporting long-term scenario development and analysis, sensemaking, and stakeholder dialogues, to anticipate future developments and societal needs. AI is treated as both a transformative enabler and a source of systemic risk, requiring critical assessment throughout WP6’s analysis.

To ensure real-world relevance and policy uptake, WP6 grounds foresight activities in three strategic case studies:

1. Regional economic growth and societal welfare (in collaboration with WP3 and WP4): A place-based innovation case focused on the City of Pori explores how satellite data and AI-enabled services can support regional renewal, SME engagement, and inclusive welfare strategies. Additionally, Regional Councils act as strategic enablers by setting innovation agendas, facilitating investment, and aligning regional development policies with the opportunities of the space economy.

2. Environmental resilience and public welfare (with WP1): Exami how space-based monitoring (e.g. EO for harmful algal blooms) contributes to ecosystem health, biodiversity, and resilience planning.

3. Infrastructure resilience and situational awareness (with WP5): Focuses on the use of satellite data and AI for early warning systems and crisis response to enhance continuity of essential services.

These case studies function as foresight testbeds and validation tools, producing actionable impact insights tailored to local contexts and national policy goals.

Key activities/ Tasks

T6.1 Frame and define the three strategic case studies
T6.2 Conduct Delphi studies and multidisciplinary foresight analysis
T6.3 Apply AI-enhanced scenario tools to model long-term impacts
T6.4 Evaluate transformative potential and risks of AI-based space applications
T6.5 Generate strategic, scenario-based policy recommendations and impact pathways

Deliverables

D6.1 Strategic framing of case studies
D6.2 Delphi foresight report on long-term economic and welfare scenarios
D6.3 Scenario narratives and AI-enhanced analysis of impact pathways
D6.4 Opportunities and risk assessment report
D6.5 Strategic and scenario-based recommendations

WP7: Interaction and dissemination, WP lead Kupla Productions, Jari Mäkinen (interaction manager), all contributing

WP7 ensures broad societal impact by coordinating the dissemination of project results and promoting interaction with key stakeholders across public, private, academic, and civic sectors.

It supports internal communication within the consortium while creating dynamic interfaces between SPACECONOMY and the outside world—through workshops, exhibitions, events, media outreach, and policy engagement.

This WP combines traditional science communication with participatory and digital methods to raise awareness of the space economy and Finland’s role in it. It fosters two-way dialogue to align the project’s outputs with stakeholder needs and enhances public understanding of the societal relevance of space-based technologies and data.

WP7 is closely integrated with WP4 (governance and policy), WP2 (education and capacity-building) and WP6 (impact foresight), ensuring that research findings are communicated clearly, policy-relevant insights are shared effectively, and public engagement supports long-term strategic ownership.

Key activities/ Tasks

T7.1 Establish internal communication and coordination mechanisms
T7.2 Develop a visual identity and branding for the consortium
T7.3 Design, launch and maintain a public website and internal consortium intranet
T7.4 Produce newsletters, blog posts and ongoing project documentation
T7.5 Organize an annual dedicated track and exhibition at the Winter Satellite Workshop
T7.6 Coordinate stakeholder engagement with policymakers and civil servants through events, dialogues and briefings
T7.7 Oversee broader dissemination and promotion through multimedia content, social media, public talks, and contributions to external events (e.g. SLUSH, Junction)
T7.8 Engage a citizen panel to gather public welfare perspectives on the space economy, supporting WP6 foresight and WP4 policy design

Deliverables

D7.1 Kick-off seminar with all consortium members and key stakeholders
D7.2 Communication and dissemination plan with monitoring structure
D7.3 Project website and intranet, regularly updated
D7.4 Annual presence at the Winter Satellite Workshop (track + exhibition)
D7.5 Blog and newsletter series presenting project highlights and insights
D7.6 Policy engagement events and feedback loops with national and regional authorities
D7.7 Multimedia outreach (videos, infographics, social media campaigns)
D7.8 Summary report from the citizen panel and integration into WP6 and WP4 deliverables

WP8: Project management, WP lead TAU, Prof. Heidi Kuusniemi, all contributing

WP8 ensures effective coordination, governance, and execution of the SPACECONOMY project. It provides administrative leadership, financial oversight, and procedural consistency to support timely and high-quality delivery of results across all work packages.

The WP enables cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensures compliance with research integrity standards, and facilitates communication with funding bodies and external stakeholders. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, WP8 oversees the Scientific Advisory Committee, responsible for supporting scientific excellence, providing critical feedback, and ensuring alignment with international research frontiers.

WP8 also promotes open science, oversees data management planning, and coordinates risk management procedures to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions. WP8 is closely connected to WP7 for communication flow and to all thematic WPs (1–6) to support integration, synergies, and dissemination.

Key activities

T8.1 Day-to-day project coordination, financial and administrative management
T8.2 Scientific Advisory Committee coordination and reporting
T8.3 Risk assessment and mitigation planning across WPs
T8.4 Promotion of open science practices and FAIR data principles
T8.5 Consortium-wide data management planning, documentation and compliance

Deliverables

D8.1 Project management handbook
D8.2 Minutes and action items from consortium meetings and Advisory Committee and Steering Group sessions
D8.3 Risk management strategy and updated risk register (with annual reviews)
D8.4 Open Science and Data Management Plan (in alignment with WP1 and WP4)

SPACECONOMY milestones:

M1: First Space Education Symposium held

M2: Analysis of investment needs, global opportunities, and current business models

M3: Regulatory framework assessment linking internal firm practices (WP3) with external policy environments

M4: AI-supported stakeholder collaboration model for innovation and investment coordination

M5: International comparative analysis of space governance and innovation policy

M6: National survey on regional potential and constraints in space economy adoption

M7: Pilot experiments on data-driven, place-based governance in partner regions

M8: Strategic recommendations to WP4 roadmap development

SPACECONOMY will deliver a roadmap for advancing Finland’s space economy through technologies, sustainable business models and future-ready governance. It will support productivity, resilience and international competitiveness while addressing climate, security, and welfare challenges.

The roadmap will synthesize results from across the project and be co-created with stakeholders. It will be published openly and made available to policymakers, industry actors, and research institutions through the project's digital platform and open-access channels. The project aligns with Finland’s updated national space strategy and contributes directly to its goals of sustainable growth, innovation and strategic autonomy.

SPACECONOMY promotes responsible science through openness, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. Ethical considerations are embedded throughout the project, from data collection and AI development to stakeholder engagement and policy analysis.

The consortium follows the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity (TENK) and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. Data management complies with GDPR and FAIR principles, ensuring transparency, security and long-term usability. Special care will be taken in handling sensitive satellite data, particularly when linked to infrastructure, environmental indicators or regional demographics.

AI and machine learning methods are developed with a focus on explainability, human-centred design and social equity. The project actively mitigates risks related to bias, and misuse of dual-use technologies. Ethical and societal implications, particularly in GNSS resilience, space situational awareness, and satellite-based service delivery, will be continuously evaluated in collaboration with the Scientific Advisory Committee and the national Steering Group.

Stakeholder engagement is carried out via living labs, policy labs, citizen science, and workshops, following ethical standards such as informed consent and data protection. SPACECONOMY upholds research integrity and aims to set a standard for ethical, inclusive innovation in the New Space era.