Space Foundation Launches the Center for Innovation and Education

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - May 27, 2020 - PRLog -- Space Foundation Launches the Center for Innovation and Education

Space Foundation, a 501(c)(3) global space advocate for 37 years, today launched its Center for Innovation and Education to create and deliver inclusive, innovative and sustainable workforce development and economic opportunity programs for the rapidly growing $415 billion global space economy. Hear Tom Zelibor, CEO, Space Foundation, introduce the Center for Innovation and Education at www.spacefoundation.org/cie/.

"Every person on planet Earth can find a place in the space economy, regardless of the present state of the job market," said Zelibor. "The space industry has remained one of the most resilient business sectors throughout the COVID-19 crisis. With 80% of business coming from private enterprise, and ample time for building awareness and skills, a rare opportunity exists to solve the workforce shortage and drive innovation forward in the space economy."

Space Matters

Space, once considered the final frontier and only accessible to a select few, is now home to the most dynamic and innovative economy on the planet. Today, every community, infrastructure and aspect of modern life is acutely dependent on or indirectly affected by space-related technologies. These innovations span all industries, including telecommunications, health and medicine, public safety, agriculture, and consumer goods — impacting societies and regions across the globe.

Space technology also plays an essential role in the global economy. With more than 80 nations operating in the space economy, the market is estimated to grow to $1-3 trillion within the next 20 years. No longer dependent on government agencies or highly skilled scientists and engineers, space innovation now thrives through the collaborative work of public and private companies, academia, startups and entrepreneurs. Ongoing space developments will be key to solving the most pressing issues of our time and ensuring a healthy, sustainable future.

No Better Time to Be a Part of the Space Economy

While opportunity abounds, the space industry faces a workforce shortage, skills deficit, and space technology innovation gap. Without manpower — laborers to entrepreneurs to STEM experts — and continual career upskilling to enable the commercialization of space technology innovations, the full potential of the space economy will not be realized. Statistics and analysis from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the U.S. Census Bureau, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the American Action Forum all forecast significant shortages in workers and needed skills.
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To learn more about the Center for Innovation and Education, visit www.spacefoundation.org/cie/.

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