By Prof. Mariano Bizzarri, Head of the Systems Biology Group
Space is the driving force behind some of today’s most crucial technological innovations — from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to space biomedicine, Earth observation, new energy sources, and critical raw materials. These fields could accelerate European growth, yet while the United States is reshaping its space strategy by boosting defense investments and leaving other domains to private actors, Europe still lacks vision and urgency.
Despite its strong scientific base, Europe risks falling behind. Its structural weaknesses — an underdeveloped industrial network, academic delays in space sciences, limited funding, and insufficient political awareness — make it vulnerable to foreign acquisitions and talent drain. Without decisive action, Europe’s future in space will be dictated by others.
The Battle for the Skies: Why Europe Must Embrace a Space Revolution
Professor Bizzarri calls for a cultural revolution: Europe must invest more (the sector currently attracts around €7 billion, far less than pharmaceuticals or automotive), diversify its industrial presence, and foster excellence in emerging areas such as lunar habitats, resource extraction technologies, advanced materials, agri-food chemistry, and protective coatings. Italy, in particular, should reclaim leadership in Earth observation and maritime monitoring in the Mediterranean.
The future of space exploration will soon revolve around the Moon and Mars, with private U.S. ventures like Axiom and Blue Origin already leading the way. Europe must ensure it has its own infrastructure — in AI, semiconductors, biomedicine, and inter-satellite communication — if it wants to remain a relevant actor rather than a supplier of components.
Finally, Prof. Bizzarri stresses the need for stronger public-private collaboration, with frameworks that guide and condition investments to avoid monopolies and dependency on single players. The upcoming ESA ministerial meeting will be decisive: Europe can no longer afford to hesitate. The cost of inaction will far outweigh the investments needed to guarantee European autonomy in space
Source – Il Tempo (26-08-25)