Expert Interview: The CEE Is Closing the Gap With the West in Space Development
Ben Costantini, a French entrepreneur focused on European tech growth, says Western investors express interest in Central and Eastern European startups but too often don’t follow through with action. He believes there’s untapped potential in connecting innovative startups with traditional industries and improving access to markets and clients through better-designed business exhibitions. Costantini argues that such efforts could help bridge the persistent gap between Western capital and the CEE innovation ecosystem.
Artificial intelligence has dominated the tech discourse for the past few years, but many insiders believe that another booming industry is in the background. And it may be ready to pop.
The space industry is currently in a position where it doesn’t seem like a moonshot; it could become the next big thing. And Central and Eastern Europe could play a part in it. “I believe CEE has a unique opportunity in space, especially with the rising importance of defense funds,” says Justyna Redelkiewicz, advisor, mentor, entrepreneur, and former European Union Agency for Space Program official.
“Our region is among the most exposed: take Poland, for instance. Large parts of the country experience constant GPS jamming or spoofing. These challenges actually make CEE an ideal testing ground for advanced defense and space tech,” Redelkiewicz adds.
In our interview with her at the Engaged Investments Conference in Prague, she also talks about:
Why downstream space technologies offer the quickest path for CEE countries to compete globally
How Europe is catching up with SpaceX, and where CEE countries fit in
The growing ties between space capabilities and defense, and how the Russian war in Ukraine is accelerating investment
What’s holding back talent development in CEE’s space sector, and how that can change
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