Exploring the market potential for geo-ICT companies in relation to INSPIRE

Abstract

The implementation of INSPIRE can bring new and interesting business opportunities to European geo-ICT companies. Until now, little information has been available on the participation of geo-ICT companies in the implementation of INSPIRE. This paper seeks to explore the market potential for geo-ICT companies in relation to INSPIRE, presenting the results of a large-scale survey among geo-ICT companies in Europe. The paper shows that the majority of geo-ICT companies in Europe is not actively involved in the implementation of INSPIRE. Having knowledge and understanding of the technical details of INSPIRE seems to be a key requirement for companies to get involved in INSPIRE. Companies that fulfil this requirement and have supported public authorities in implementing INSPIRE, have experienced an impact of INSPIRE on their innovative performance.