The European space human capital ecosystem is undergoing significant changes due to a variety of factors, from demographic trends to the rise of new technologies. In this context, understanding the most critical skills of today, anticipating those of the future, and gaining a clear view of the supply and demand of talent have become essential for ESA to sustain Europe’s position in space.

Building upon several reflections performed both inside and outside of the Agency, ESA is proud to present to the public for the first time the ESA Skills Digital Twin Initiative.

This project has been developed by ESA in partnership with the European House Ambrosetti (TEHA) Group. It combines analytical research, stakeholder engagement and AI and web scraping across the European space ecosystem to develop a Digital Twin of the European Space ecosystem.

The Skill Digital Twin is a structured mapping of skills and talent demand distribution across the sector and the current and emerging gaps. By scanning and interpreting data from job postings and aerospace talent profiles, and combining it with direct inputs from relevant actors in the ecosystem, the project was able to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the current and future trends in skills demand and evolution (including both technical and transversal skills) and in workforce composition and trajectories.

The research highlighted three possible lines for future actions, under the headings of analysis, skills initiatives, and stimulus of innovation, to support the development of a competitive, future-ready talent pool for the European space sector and beyond.

The results of the study are compiled in a dedicated White Paper, which is available at this link.

The White Paper was presented for the first time during the ESA Future Skills Executive Roundtable: Preparing the Human Capital of Tomorrow. This event took place at the ESA Headquarters in Paris on 8 April 2026, bringing together 25 experts from space agencies, industry, academia and international organisations to discuss and enrich the findings of the initiative.

The roundtable was a great success, as it provided a dedicated space for informed exchange on the structural skills challenges faced by the European space ecosystem, including the impact of technological change, increasing competition for talent, and the need for stronger alignment between education, workforce development, and sectoral demand. It explored how the sector can collectively address rapidly evolving skills needs through aligned and joint actions.

The findings of the White Paper and the insights coming from the Executive Round table are feeding into a continuous dialogue and a wider reflection about the future of human capital in the European space sector. The next objective will be to foster sustained dialogue and collaboration across the European space ecosystem on future skills, also involving new stakeholders.

Featured image credited to istock.com/NicoElNino