Space for impact: Dutch space sector generates 1.2 billion euros for the Netherlands
- NLSpace
Kacia Rutkoŭskaja
- 0
- 4 minutes read
NOORDWIJK / THE HAGUE – A new impact analysis shows that the space cluster in the municipality of Noordwijk generates 1.2 billion euros in annual production value. The added value amounts to 668 million euros. The cluster also provides employment for 7,600 people. This contribution is at risk due to the historically low Dutch commitment to the European Space Agency.
Research agency Decisio calculated the economic impact of the Dutch space cluster in Noordwijk.
Most of the added value of the space sector can be attributed to the European Space Agency ESA ESTEC in Noordwijk. ESA ESTEC generates 819 million euros in production value each year and provides work for nearly 5,000 employees. This results in 466 million euros in added value.
Other space companies in the region also contribute significantly, with 400 million euros in production value and 2,700 jobs. In total, 92 companies are active within the Noordwijk space cluster. Most of them are located at NL Space Campus. Together, they provide direct and indirect employment for 1,170 people.
“The municipality of Noordwijk is the proud home of ESA ESTEC, NL Space Campus and therefore the centre of Dutch space activities,” says Pim van Strien, alderman of Noordwijk. “This is where you find the technical expertise, the professionals and the network that innovative and technological companies are looking for. This study clearly shows how many jobs and opportunities it brings.”
“The value of this study is that it goes beyond the number of companies and employees,” says Marc Sandelowsky, Director of NL Space Campus. “The space sector gives a strong boost to our economy.”
The sector’s ambitions are under pressure due to the proposed low Dutch subscription for the European Space Agency Ministerial Conference at the end of November. The proposed subscription is 25 percent lower than in the previous budget period.
The space sector is therefore sounding the alarm in an open letter to the Dutch government and Parliament. The sector describes the proposal as a direct and serious threat to the Dutch space industry, the national knowledge base and the Netherlands’ position in Europe.
“Investments by the Netherlands, both nationally and through ESA, are essential for our earning capacity, our innovation strength and our strategic autonomy. Without a clear commitment to the space sector, the Netherlands risks losing its autonomy in this vital security domain, undermining European strategic interests and missing out on billions in European investment.”
The authors call on policymakers to reconsider the proposed subscription and to commit to an ambitious long term financial contribution that aligns with national ambitions for the space sector and strengthens the Dutch commitment to European cooperation.
The open letter is signed by SpaceNed, NL Space Campus, the Province of South Holland, Holland High Tech, the municipality of Noordwijk and FME.
