What was the reason behind establishing Progetti Speciali Italiani (PSI)?

PSI was established to tackle the challenges faced by SMEs in the space industry. The tendency of the industry to overlook innovative systems developed by smaller companies led us to create our own system process that covers the entire value chain, from concept to delivery. This enabled us to gain independence from the existing system of consolidated players.

What are the advantages of the services offered by PSI?

PSI offers an integrated service with a network of existing companies that have different capabilities and a highly experienced workforce. SMEs often struggle with unpredictable patterns of contracts and are unable to handle large projects. However, PSI supplies the end customer directly, which helps us maintain our highly-skilled workforce. Additionally, we implement the ‘spin-in’ trend, which allows us to utilize commercial technology in space applications, making us more competitive in terms of cost and time to market.

How does the Italian industry compare to other European regions?

Italy historically spent large amounts within the European space community. However, Italy lost control of its major space company during the height of the European ideology that united all nations around a common interest. Unfortunately, some countries maintained strategic control of their companies despite the heavy contribution of Italian expenditure. The Italian aerospace industry is built on a structure of SMEs. Italy needs to properly focus its expenditure to support Italian companies that fall under Italian investors and shareholders.

How supportive is Italy of the SME network?

Italy has the largest number of SMEs in the world per capita. Although Europe is pushing towards SMEs, Italy has not made as much of a push to promote SMEs and their development as other European countries. To change this, PSI is promoting the implementation of a directive similar to the Small Business Act in the USA, which mandates that Government Entities deliver about 24% of their annual budget to SMEs under direct contract.

What are the key areas of focus for PSI over the next few years?

PSI aims to establish itself as one of the worldwide references for Nano and Microsatellites. We believe that Italian government expenditure should be focused within Italy, but Italian companies must also operate internationally. Our target regions are emerging markets such as Latin America, Gulf countries, and Eastern Europe, particularly the former Soviet Union. We trust in Italy due to its entrepreneurial attitude and excellent education system.