NEREUS- Network of European Regions Using Space - an initiative of regions to spread the use and understanding of space technologies across Europe
Abstract
NEREUS- Network of European Regions Using Space - an initiative of regions to spread the use and understanding of space technologies across Europe (Roya Ayazi, Secretary General NEREUS nereus.bruxelles@euroinbox.com) NEREUS currently unites 25 European regions and 39 Associate Members with the common objective to spread the use and understanding of space technologies across Europe for the benefit of regions and their citizens. As voice of European Regions, NEREUS serves as an advocate for the regions in matters of space uses and also as a direct channel to the regional users of space technologies (such as local authorities, SMEs, universities and research institutes and citizens). EO/GMES, Global Satellite Navigation and Telecommunication are identified by the NEREUS Political Charta as core areas of cooperation. NEREUS holds the view that broad societal awareness and involvement is vital to fully exploit Euope's space systems. Understanding the potentials of Copernicus and EGNOS/Galileo is in the first place an essential step for the development of the downstream sector. Therefore NEREUS makes special efforts to contribute with numerous network activities to communicate and promote the added value of space uses for public policies but also as valuable new business opportunities. In economic terms space uses are suited to stimulate economic growth and innovation dynamics at regional level. The network community produced several illustrative communication tools (publications, video, web-based tools, mobile NEREUS-exhibition) portraying examples how regions already use space systems and the concrete benefits for the citizens. Most of the NEREUS-publications and video are online: www.nereus-regions.eu. Pooling a considerable wealth of capabilities and expertise, the network offers its members a dynamic platform to collaborate and share experiences and knowledge inter regionally. But these tools were not only the outcome of an intensive regional collaboration but contributed substantially to get an idea about the regional situation and existing activities and player. NEREUS wishes to stimulate regional stakeholder to develop space applications in different domains and take measures to participate in European space programs. In this context the dialogue with end-user, in particular local and regional authorities is in the centre. To enhance the exchange between both and bring space uses in concrete administrative dossiers, NEREUS organizes together with its member regions thematic Workshops (WS), e.g. EGNOS/Galileo uses for maritime/marine purposes during which service provider discussed with harbour authorities and the policy and administrative level. The NEREUS-member region Lombardy region started to explore the opportunities of space uses for agriculture and discussed it with different stakeholder. For 2013 three thematic WS are planned (Maritime purposes, Civil Emergencies, Agriculture) with the NEREUS-network community and other partners. The NEREUS CET (Communication, Education and Training) Working Group, one of five NEREUS Working Groups, is another forum of the network that contributes to the spread of knowledge about space and its opportunities also at a broader societal scale. This group is co-chaired by Martina Hilger from Bremen and Michel Bousquet from Midi/P. Stimulating the up-take of space related studies and careers among young people in Europe is an important part for widening the understanding of space uses at citizen level. Only if Europe has a well educated and highly skilled work force will it be possible to exploit the potential of space uses and get the political support from citizen. The CET Working Group was established in 2009 and has since then been an active forum for discussion and exchange. Communicating and networking space related education at universities and other relevant organisations (if appropriate in cooperation with industry) in the NEREUS regions have been in the centre of the activities and efforts.
- Publication:
-
EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- April 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013EGUGA..1512331A