Innovation to Operations: Delivering Advantage Through the Commercial Space Industrial Base

Commercial space services have been indispensable in all recent major conflicts, but in Ukraine they were a critical part of the Order of Battle. Alongside the rapid adaptation of drones, AI and other dual-use technologies, the conflict has demonstrated that commercial innovation is now part of the operational architecture. Drawing on lessons from the front line and NATO's evolving industrial frameworks, this panel will explore what NATO and its Allies need to do to build the commercial capability and capacity required for future conflict, addressing barriers including funding models, procurement cultures, fragmented requirements, talent shortages, access to classified users and exercises, and the financial risks companies assume when their infrastructure becomes part of the military enterprise. Using space as a lens for challenges shared across AI, quantum and other critical technologies, the discussion will consider how Europe can create a commercial industrial base capable of innovating at market speed while adapting, replenishing and reconstituting capability at wartime scale.