When: Tuesday, 31 October 2023, 17:30
Where: Hybrid event - Hörsaal 2, Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1, 1090 Vienna, and online via Zoom
Speaker: Jean-Frédéric Morin (Université Laval)
Moderation: Nina Klimburg-Witjes (Department of Science and Technology Studies, University of Vienna)
Abstract
This presentation maps the governance system of space sustainability. It shares preliminary findings from a comprehensive census of 1,600 space organizations, with detailed data on their history, size, location and activities. It also presents patterns found in 1,500 institutional arrangements concluded among these organizations, including memorandums of understanding, resolutions, contacts, and treaties. In doing so, this presentation provides a bird’s-eye view of the space governance system, beyond the few major players and multilateral institutions that frequently make the headlines. Five key findings will be discussed : (1) The space industry gradually emerged out of symbiotic relations with the public sector; (2) Yet, homophilic preferences create a regulatory divide between public and private organizations; (3) This fragmentation benefits historically powerful actors, such as the United States; (4) Fragmentation is associated with a low degree of attention to the “commons” and to “environmental externalities”; (5) Hybrid organizations have the potential to bridge different clusters and facilitate systemwide self-management; In a second time, Ass.-Prof. Nina Klimburg-Witjes will discuss Prof. Jean-Frédéric Morin’s talk and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange on the talk’s topic.
