Abstract
This thesis is focusing on the convergence between the space industry and the internet industry. To better scope the topic, this thesis is started with the definitions of the two industries, and the definition of industry convergence. A specific model and a universal research framework are developed for this topic.
A new approach, bibliometrics with co-occurrence method is developed in this thesis to analyze the status of convergence. The results show that there is an on-going and speedingup convergence between the two industries. This new approach not only shows the capability to identify the status of convergence like other tools but also has potentials to derive more information: (1) the internet technologies are dominating the convergence process; (2) the US, China, and the EU are the main contributors for the convergence; (3) the cooperation between countries is a common phenomenon.
Six convergence scenarios between the space industry and the internet industry are discussed, which are space tech supporting internet, internet tech supporting space, satellite-based internet service, imagery based on Big Data and AI, satellite Supporting IoT, and interplanetary network. The analysis reveals the characteristics of convergence scenarios: (1) the convergence in substitute and in complement coexist; (2) the maturity, the opportunities, the risks, and the disruptiveness all vary; (3) Convergence scenarios in substitute bring opportunities to both industries; (4) Convergence scenarios in complement result prevailingly in sub-industries of internet with high potential, high risks and high disruptiveness.
The external drivers for the convergence are discussed following the structure of PESTEL. The results show that the external drivers are mainly playing a positive role in the convergence. The main motivations are from the technological progress and the needs of economic development. Negative drivers lie in the political, environmental and legal domains with low influences.
The implications and recommendations of convergence lie in both country level and industry level. For countries, cooperation is inevitable, and investment for R&D is encouraged. For the space industry, it is integrated into the value chain of the internet industry, and facing an upgradation of industry scale. For the internet industry, it can meet the needs of continuous growth. The risks and opportunities are realistic for the two industries and related firms. For the two industries and related firms, choosing the right strategy by being aware of risks and crucial technologies is the lynchpin.
