Harmonisation
Technology Harmonisation provides all European actors with the framework and the key instruments needed to coordinate space technology at the European level.
This is achieved, essentially, by identifying the needs and existing capabilities within Europe – as documented in Technology Harmonisation Dossiers – and by agreeing on ‘European Space Technology Roadmaps’, through a process of concertation, coordination and agreement between all participants. These joint Roadmaps aim at optimising public funding and guiding developments to ensure the right technology is at the right level of maturity at the right time.
Through nearly two decades of operation, and several major reviews that recommended its strengthening, Technology Harmonisation is now an established and well-proven European process.
For enquiries, please refer to the assigned contacts:
20Years of harmonisation
163Harmonisation Roadmaps since 2000
3800Active Roadmaps Activities
52Active Roadmaps
≈10Topics/Year
62%Roadmaps activities implemented
60%of the Approved roadmaps budget is invested into High Priority Activities
WHY IT IS NEEDED
European Space Technology Harmonisation has been developed to achieve better-coordinated research and development activities among all actors in the European space sector, establishing a strong technology base as a means of underpinning the worldwide competitiveness of European industry and ensuring the success of future space missions.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
"Fill strategic gaps" and "Minimise unnecessary duplications"
Consolidate European Strategic Capabilities
Achieve a Coordinated and Commited European Space technology Policy and Planning
Contribute to continuity and coherence between technology and industrial Policies
HOW IT WORKS
Through the Technology Coordination and Planning Office, ESA supervises and coordinates all phases of the harmonisation process.
ESA technical experts are designated to provide the needed technical knowledge and to prepare the documentation, the Technology Harmonisation Dossiers (THD) and the Roadmaps.
Internal coordination is achieved for technical, strategic and programmatic areas: the active participation of the Competence Domain Leads (CDL) ensures quality, coherence, relevance and consistency of the technical content, while the involvement of the TECNET Chairs Forum and Programme Managers ensures programmatic aspects are taken into account.
+Harmonisation is an inclusive process
+Harmonisation Process Two-Cycles
ESA Technology Harmonisation Advisory Group - THAG
THAG is an ESA delegate body, established in 2006 to advise the ESA Industrial Policy Committee (IPC) on Technology Harmonisation matters, including:
- Technology harmonisation work plans
- Mapping of European capabilities with respect to the needs of the institutional and commercial markets
- Implementation within ESA programmes of agreed roadmaps and conclusions, and identification of national-and European-level funding
- Harmonisation measures to be applied in istitutional programmes and by industry
How to participate
European Space Technology Harmonisation is a voluntary process, based on transparency and exchange of information. Continuous support from all participants is crucial to the success of this European initiative.
In case of interest in any of the topics addressed, by European Space Technology Harmonisation, the recommended approach is to seek involvement through Euroconsult (harmo@euroconsult-ec.com), which has been selected by ESA to support consultation for Harmonisation. You may also contact your national delegate (contact names can be found in the ESTMP: send an e-mail to ESTMP@esa.int); the delegate will then recommend how to further proceed, e.g., by including the interested party in the national presentation.
All European space sector stakeholders can request access to the European Space Technology Master Plan by sending an e-mail to harmo@esa.int, providing business affiliation and position in the company.