| Abstract: | From the start of the 20th century, a strong tradition of collaboration has developed in the physical sciences. World War II and the following period changed this situation with a quickening of the pace of application. Thus, while basic research continues to benefit from collaboration among scientists worldwide, the increasingly complex background in which science evolves, through higher implementation costs and more difficult approval processes, renders collaboration among nations ever more pressing. Space science, with its comparatively high access cost but large fundamental importance, substantial public appeal and outstanding ability to motivate young people, shares this need. This article focuses on a recent ESSC-ESF study undertaken to improve the effectiveness of such cooperative efforts. Related findings and recommendations are presented along with a proposed operational structure for their implementation. |
