Centre For Space Futures And University Of Bologna Expand Collaboration On Space Law And Policy

The Centre for Space Futures has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Bologna to deepen cooperation on space law, regulation, and policy. The agreement seeks to link research with real-world decision-making and support responsible space activities.

Under the memorandum, the partners plan joint research projects, professional training, internships, and wider capacity-building programmes. These activities are intended to connect academic work with policy needs and help shape governance models that reflect rapid changes in global space operations.

The cooperation places strong emphasis on space law and related regulatory frameworks. Both sides aim to build rigorous legal analysis together with practical policy tools. This approach is expected to support governments, industry, and international organisations dealing with new space missions and technologies.

Eng. Mishaal Ashemimry, Managing Director of the Centre for Space Futures, said the partnership links academic expertise with applied policy development for the space sector. Ashemimry explained that work with the University of Bologna will strengthen specialised knowledge on space law and improve responses to emerging regulatory questions.

Ashemimry also stressed that closer ties between research bodies and policy makers are vital for sustainable growth in space activities. According to Ashemimry, better coordination can guide the design of rules that protect long-term access to orbit while supporting economic development and innovation.

Prof. Federico Casolari, Head of the Department of Legal Studies at the University of Bologna, noted that the memorandum marks a significant step in building links between universities and global policy institutions. Casolari expects wider options for joint research, advanced training, and academic exchange on space governance.

Casolari underlined that deeper institutional cooperation is increasingly important as space activities expand in number and complexity. Casolari pointed to growing legal and regulatory challenges, including traffic management, safety standards, and long-term orbital sustainability, which require coordinated international responses.

The roles of each institution within the partnership are outlined as follows:

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The Centre for Space Futures was created with support from the World Economic Forum and the Saudi Space Agency. The centre focuses on the global space economy, offering policy recommendations, enabling technology discussions, and bringing together different sectors to address shared challenges.

Through this new memorandum of understanding, the Centre for Space Futures and the University of Bologna prepare to combine legal scholarship, training, and policy engagement. Their shared work is expected to help shape future rules and practices for global space activities.

With inputs from SPA