The Strategic Foresight & Planning Office supports the definition of the ESA-wide strategy and is responsible for:

• Organising and ensuring the availability of future intelligence, examining the internal and external factors that may impact ESA;
• Developing strategic foresight capacity adapted to ESA and the space sector;
• Deploying, implementing, and delivering strategic foresight projects, aiming to identify the implications of different possible futures for ESA’s strategy, programmes, and policies, helping ESA identify blind spots, and build resilience at both programme and Agency levels;
• Supporting the development of ESA’s strategic plans by identifying strategic challenges and opportunities as well as strategic options, and developing relevant goals and objectives, by mid- and long-term priorities at Agency and directorate levels.
• Building up and maintaining Strategic Foresight networks.

Field(s) of activity for the internship

The topic of the internship: Strategic Foresight for European space activities

You will actively contribute to executing foresight & planning projects aimed at shaping the future of space activities. This role will provide you with hands-on experience in scenario planning, research, and the application of strategic foresight methodologies. You will work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with experts in space policy, strategy, and foresight & planning, by engagingly with ongoing foresight projects at different stages, offering fresh insights and supporting project continuity.

Main activities may include:

• Conduct research on emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and global challenges that may impact the future of space;
• Support the identification and assessment of key drivers of change (e.g., economic, geopolitical, environmental) affecting the space sector;
• Assist in drafting and refining future scenarios;
• Participate in brainstorming and workshops to explore alternative futures;
• Work with cross-functional teams to articulate and visualise possible future;
• Assist in preparing presentations, briefings, and communication materials that summarise foresight findings and scenario narratives;
• Support the organisation and running of scenario-planning workshops, including logistics, agenda setting, and materials preparation;
• Assist in drafting reports and summaries of strategic foresight & planning projects, including lessons learned, potential implications for the space sector, and policy recommendations.

Required Qualifications 

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

• Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking abilities;
• Excellent written and verbal communication;
• Strong capacity to challenge one’s thinking.