European Space Agency Digital & AI Transformation Program
/ Federating a Data, AI and High Performance Computing Foundation and Guiding the Transformation Agency-wide
/ European Space Agency Digital & AI Transformation Program
The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. Established in 1975, ESA works together with 23 Member States to push the frontiers of science and technology, and promote economic growth in Europe.
ESA’s programmes are designed to find out more about Earth, its immediate space environment, our Solar System and the Universe, as well as to develop satellite-based technologies and services, and to promote European industries. ESA also works closely with space organisations outside Europe.
Among ESA’s recent achievements are the first commercial launch of Europe’s newest rocket, Ariane 6, marking a significant milestone in Europe’s journey towards enhanced autonomous access to space, and Copernicus Sentinel-4, an Earth Observation mission, developed to address scientific and societal challenges, such as air pollution and extreme weather events. There are around 2547 staff working for ESA (correct as of 2023), from all the Member States and include scientists, engineers, information technology specialists and administrative personnel.
/ BLUEGAIN CONTRIBUTION
As part of ESA DIGITAL & AI Trafo program, our bluegain team worked with the ESA’s CDO Bianca Hoersch and her team and reached the following results:
- bluegain performed a neutral technology assessment of the ESA Data Factory and developed a target architecture to scale the combined ESA Data, AI and High Performance Computing Foundation.
- We also outlined actionable AI strategy paths in view of a federated AI set-up in the organisation, evaluated all AI use cases, identified the most impactful ones, and supported the team to craft Data and AI roadmaps, including an effective data governance to ensure the integrity of a single source of truth.
- bluegain also developed with the team, the Agency-wide Digital Transformation Framework with its clear focus on use cases and impact creation, which is used today to effectively steer digital transformation across the entire agency.
- As part of the project, bluegain refined the operating model by strengthening the Steering Committee’s role in terms of prioritization, resource allocation and sponsorship for approved digital initiatives while also improving ESA’s operational funnel management process together to prioritize the incoming digital demands across the Agency.
/ CxO's Recognition of our Impact
“We partnered with bluegain to take our digital transformation program to the next level. bluegain demonstrated from the outset their capability to truly tailor their deliverables to our needs and context as one of the leading Space Agencies.
Initially, bluegain performed a neutral technology assessment of our ESA Data Factory and developed a target architecture to scale the combined ESA Data, AI and High Performance Computing Foundation. bluegain also outlined actionable AI strategy paths in view of a federated AI set-up in our organisation, evaluated all AI use cases, identified the most impactful ones, and supported us to craft our Data and AI roadmaps, including an effective data governance to ensure the integrity of a single source of truth.
As our collaboration deepened, bluegain developed with us the Agency-wide Digital Transformation Framework with its clear focus on use cases and impact creation, which we use today to effectively steer digital transformation across the entire agency. They also refined our operating model by strengthening the Steering Committee’s role in terms of prioritization, resource allocation and sponsorship for approved digital initiatives. We improved our operational funnel management process together to prioritize the incoming digital demands across the Agency.
bluegain combines technological brilliance with business acumen across industries including the space sector, giving them large credibility. They understand complex settings and help to reduce complexity and simplify to the essentials, always keeping the focus on impact. They help us to address the people and culture side of change, identify and engage key stakeholders, strengthen ownership, and create true transformation momentum. What truly sets bluegain apart is their deep experience in leading large-scale transformations. They have been in the driver’s seat themselves, which gives them unique credibility and foresight.
For any organization embarking on a major digital transformation, we highly recommend bluegain. A team you can trust to deliver meaningful and lasting results.”
– Bianca Hoersch, Chief Digital Officer (CDO), European Space Agency
