Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Earth Observation Economy and AI
The objective of this Research Fellowship is to contribute to a deeper, theory-driven understanding of the global Earth observation (EO) market and industry, identifying its structural dynamics, competitive landscape and long-term potential. This analysis will serve as a critical input for the development of a robust, evidence-based EO commercialisation strategy. The activity will also aim to bridge cutting-edge macroeconomic theory with technological innovation and EO applications, taking inspiration from the pioneering work of Nobel laureates Paul Romer and William Nordhaus. In the course of the Fellowship, you will explore new models that integrate EO data and advanced technologies such as AI into macroeconomic and socio-economic frameworks.
Main research topics:
- conduct a global macroeconomic analysis of the global Earth observation market and industry, grounded in solid theoretical foundations;
- assess structural competitiveness, fragilities and resilience across different segments of the EO value chain;
- identify key demand aggregation dynamics and emerging commercial opportunities in the EO ecosystem;
- provide a strategic framework to support the development of an EO commercialisation strategy based on analytical evidence, rather than intuition-driven approaches;
- leverage and expand on the economic models of Romer (endogenous growth and innovation) and Nordhaus (climate economics and integration of environmental externalities into macro models);
- explore new macroeconomic frameworks that integrate Earth observation data and AI technologies to model long-run growth, innovation and sustainable development;
- investigate the role of EO and digital technologies in addressing socio-economic disparities and regional development imbalances;
- support cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with the Head of the Invest Office in the ESA Φ-lab, and other members of the Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes and ESA as a whole.