Balkans from Space

18-19 April 2018

Space-based services for regional strategies in the digital economy:
Balkan & Black Sea Perspectives

The Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU have set as priorities, inter alia, to promote the digital economy, jobs for young people and security and stability in the Western Balkans. Coordinated efforts to develop a regional research and development strategy for innovation was launched as early as 2009 by the ministers from the Western Balkans responsible for science and research, the European Union commissioner for science and research, joined later by the World Bank.

In this context, Earth observation provides significant contributions to the digital economy through a series of innovative services and a wealth of data. Pilot projects, developed notably under ESA programmes, have demonstrated capabilities to support Blue Growth, Agriculture, Water Management and Security and Stability policies.