WP4 – Sustainable Governance for Space Economy

Lead: University of Vaasa / Prof. Arto Ojala

WP4 develops the governance, policy and investment frameworks required to enable a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive space economy in Finland. Extending insights from WP3, it focuses on regulation, international cooperation, multi-level governance and data-driven decision-making. 

WP4 emphasizes aligning national space policy with regional capabilities and societal needs, ensuring that benefits from space-based innovation are distributed fairly across Finland. 

A key output is the national roadmap for a sustainable space economy, co-created with stakeholders from government, industry, academia and civil society. 

WP4 applies multidisciplinary methods including case studies, comparative policy analysis, stakeholder mapping and national surveys to assess investment gaps, regulatory needs and regional disparities. It also develops AI-supported stakeholder collaboration models to promote transparency, fairness and inclusive engagement. 

Deliverables include research on regulation and governance, a place-based innovation toolkit for authorities, and strategic recommendations aligned with Finland’s updated space strategy and global sustainability goals. WP4 ensures that Finland’s space economy evolves with strong governance, long-term resilience and responsible innovation.

Main deliverables:

* Joint article with WP3 on ecosystem-level business models
* Research paper on regulation and AI-enhanced governance
* Place-based innovation policy toolkit for authorities
* National roadmap for Finland’s sustainable space economy
* Regulatory and investment frameworks supporting inclusive growth