It is official: Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions, takes the patronage of the European Satellite Navigation Competition (ESNC). This is a major milestone for the 2017 edition of Europe’s leading innovation network for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) applications.
“The European Committee of the Regions attaches great importance to the new opportunities linked to the involvement of European regions in innovation networks, such as the European Satellite Navigation Competition. I have therefore gladly taken on the role of patron for the ESNC as of 2017.” Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions
Europe’s outstanding GNSS innovation network
The ESNC’s network has always been the most important asset, ever since its initiation 13 years ago. It comprises Europe’s most important space stakeholders, the most thriving startups and trendsetting entrepreneurs as well as the most active regional partners. Thereby, this network is dedicated to implement the commercial use of space applications through the regional dimension in a truly pan-European manner – in brief Galileo for regions. To express the networks outreach in figures: More than 20 partner regions comprising over 160 stakeholders at the regional level annually represent the unique network. 250 international experts evaluate more than 400 new innovative entries each year and more than 11,000 participants have contributed their know-how since 2004.
The European Committee of the Regions
With 350 members from the 28 EU countries, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is the voice of regions and cities in the European Union. Its competences range from employment, economic and social cohesion, to environment, transport and civil protection. The CoR aims at empowering the EU regions and cities throughout Europe and beyond. Its mission is to involve regional and local authorities in the European decision-making process and thus to encourage greater participation from Europe’s fellow citizens.
Mutual Vision of the CoR and the ESNC
With the patronage of the CoR, the ESNC’s credibility and awareness is enhanced to a new level, especially in terms of the policy-related context. Thorsten Rudolph, Managing Director AZO, 
emphasises: “The European Committee of the Regions is the perfect match and our desired patron for the ESNC. Its vision to unite as many regional and local authorities across Europe as possible is the perfect fit to our mission of uniting the European stakeholders from industry, politics and young entrepreneurs, to foster innovative applications based on satellite navigation.”
One of the mutual goals of the ESNC and the CoR is to involve a wide variety of forward-thinking regional and local authorities, in order to ensure high diversity in the network, the community and ultimately to accelerate the job growth potential it holds.
The ESNC’s Unique Benefits for Europe
Europe’s largest innovation network for satellite navigation applications provides Europe with extraordinary advantages. Next to scouting latest novelties in the field of GNSS, the deal flow generator offers exclusive benefits for European regions, authorities, research institutions, SMEs, startups and major space stakeholders at the same time. The ESNC’s network unites creative masterminds, decision-makers, political and industrial partners with the common endeavour to find smart, space-based solutions for current global challenges.
Register now to witness this year’s most brilliant ESNC business cases at www.eusw2017.eu/ and don’t miss out on Europe’s biggest space event.
We look forward to seeing you in Tallinn!
About the European Space Week
The European Space Week brings together the most important space stakeholders, companies, partners and visionaries in Europe pushing the topic of space in Europe and beyond. It is organised by the European Commission (EC) under the auspices of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU and co-organised by the European Space Agency (ESA), AZO Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen and Garage48.
European Regions Wanted to Take Action
Become part of the implementation of the EU Space Strategy and participate in the support mechanism that aims at promoting industrial innovation and the uptake of high-technologies across Europe. Interested in boosting your regional/local economy and in scouting trendsetting satellite navigation applications? Then become part of the ESNC network as a prize partner and foster the market uptake of Galileo/EGNOS in your region.
For further information how to set up your own regional prize please contact:
Kathrin Sturm
Business Relationship Manager
mailto:kathrin.sturm@azo-space.com
+49 8105 77277-24
