Developing Innovative Business Models for Small Space Programs Spin-Outs,“Dit Space” Start-Up Experience in Costa Rica

Abstract

Abstract

Aerospace sector is an engine of worldwide economy responsible for the technology that allows globalization. In Costa Rica in recent years' efforts have been made to introduce the country's economy into this sector. The Central American Association for Aeronautics and Space (ACAE) promotes the development of research projects in the aerospace field, inspiring new talent in the region. Among ACAE programs are Ditsö for research under microgravity conditions, Irazú is the first nanosatellite in Central America, and an initiative for the creation of the Costa Rica Aerospace Cluster, which has generated a knowledge base and regulatory strengths required by this high-quality industry. To further promote the country's economy insertion into the “new space” trend, an entrepreneurship model was developed by ACAE members through the implementation of a spinout project. The entrepreneurship model relies on two big pillars. First, identifying key sectors and players of the Costa Rican economy who can benefit from space based technology, a dynamic similar to the Smart Specialization concept. Second, the development of an innovative business model through improvement of channels, customer relations, market segments, and revenue sources, while parts of the business model structure, such as resource activities and partners, are given by the space program background. By analyzing the business model as a technical system in which different parts of the supra-system interact to produce a desired outcome, it can be assumed that the system is subject to technical innovation principles, such as ideality and technical evolution, through removal of technical contradictions. The initiative DIT (design, innovation, and technology) Space aims to develop applications based on satellite images. These applications are focused on specific sectors of the Costa Rican and Central American economy, including agriculture, mining industry, environmental solutions, and local governments' planning. Through an innovative business model, a market of diverse niche segments with diverse needs is both served and educated on the benefits of the implementation of space based technology. The result is a strength based model in which academy scientific research can pivot and align to local industry/government needs, to create synergies from which further space technology can be developed. This proves to be a valuable model for small space programs and proves the economic value and universal benefits of Space technology research and development.