PANEL: The Real Space Economy: Risk, Workforce and the Future of Global Growth

As the space industry accelerates toward a projected multi-trillion-dollar valuation, the conversation often overlooks the structural risks and economic realities that define long-term sustainability. This panel takes a grounded look at the global space economy, where investment volatility, geopolitical shifts, and talent gaps intersect. Speakers will examine the current and future risks facing the sector, the critical role education systems play in workforce readiness, and how cross-sector collaboration can unlock innovation without compromising resilience. With diverse global perspectives, this session will challenge traditional growth narratives and offer strategies for building a smarter, more sustainable space economy. Key Takeaways - Understand the structural risks behind the growth story - investment cycles, geopolitics and talent constraints - Examine how education and workforce pipelines will shape long-term sector resilience and competitiveness - Learn approaches to cross-sector collaboration that unlock innovation while strengthening sustainability in the global space economy