Terrae Novae activities are a critical driver of economic growth, competitiveness, and employment across Member States. Space exploration represents the largest space expenditure by governments globally, with public investment growing over 50% in the last decade and projected to increase by nearly 30% in the next decade.
Economic Impact by the Numbers
An Oxford Economics study in 2024 confirms the substantial economic benefits of ESA Member States’ investments in Terrae Novae at CM22:
- 34,000 jobs supported
- €2.8 billion contribution to GDP
- €900 million in tax contributions
High-Value Job Creation
While the average worker contributes €72,000 to GDP per year, 90% of Terrae Novae funding to industry goes to sectors with significantly higher productivity:
- Sector GDP contributions range from €94,000 to €124,000 per worker/year
- This demonstrates Terrae Novae’s focus on funding high value-added jobs
Robust Ecosystem of Innovation
The Terrae Novae program boasts an extensive network of collaborators:
- 441 companies
- 150 research organisations
- 58 higher education institutions and academic bodies
The continued investment in space exploration not only drives technological advancement but also provides significant economic returns, positioning Member States at the forefront of global innovation and economic development.