Abstract

Europe boasts a strong space sector. This is largely the legacy of successful space programmes, particularly those on satellite navigation and Earth observation, mostly built on public support. However, the space sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation and development on a global scale. Major technology advancements, a new entrepreneurial spirit and a renewed policy focus have put the space sector under the spotlight on the global innovation stage. Such rapid and constant transformation calls for new approaches to funding and supporting space ventures.
In this lecture, we will discuss the recent trends in the European space sector and the obstacles that European space companies face when they seek financing. We will also look at potential solutions that may help improve access of European space companies to funding sources. We will talk about synergies between public and private funding, and discuss in detail how EU funds could be deployed to attract private investment and otherwise catalyse the development of the sector.
We will conclude the lecture with an overview of how the European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund are supporting the European space sector: we will present the available funding programmes of the EIB and EIF and what companies can benefit from them. We will also explain advisory and other non-financial means of support of the European space ecosystem. Finally, we will provide a glimpse of the upcoming funding programmes that EIB and EIF are currently discussing with our partners at the European Commission.

Short Bio

Shiva Dustdar has over 28 years of experience in the financial industry working for large private and public institutions in New York, London and Luxembourg. Since joining EIB in 2003, she has worked in risk management, lending and investing in innovative companies and currently heads the Innovation Finance Advisory (IFA) Division in the EIB. IFA provides financial advice to public and private entities, performing market studies and developing new financial products to meet the financing needs in green, digital, gendersmart and health-related areas.
She started her career in 1993 at J.P. Morgan Investment Banking in New York working in M&A, Project Finance and Emerging Markets before joining Fitch Rating Agency in 1999 to set up its European High Yield rating business.
Shiva holds a BA in Economics from Columbia University and an Executive MBA from London Business School (LBS). She is a regular speaker on innovation and impact financing, gender smart investing, digital and green financing and actively engaged in networks that promote sustainable and mission oriented financing..