1. Building Confidence and Capacity for International Engagement

The SME Global Space Cooperation Program is structured to help American startups and SMEs operate compliantly across borders. Many companies face barriers not because opportunities do not exist, but because internal knowledge of export control frameworks and international processes is limited. The program aims to close that gap through hands-on guidance, agency engagement, and curated introductions to foreign partners.  

2. Export Controls Are a Foundation for Responsible Growth, not a Barrier

Discussion of ITAR, EAR, and export jurisdiction emphasized that compliance is essential to protecting U.S. national security interests while enabling legitimate commercial activity. Participants were encouraged to approach international conversations carefully—particularly regarding technical data and defense services—and to ensure proper classifications and authorizations are secured in advance of cross-border engagement.

3. Small Companies Can Navigate Global Partnerships Successfully

U.S. small and mid-sized space companies are already contributing to international missions when regulatory pathways are clear and navigable. Predictable export determinations and disciplined internal compliance systems are proving to be decisive enablers—allowing SMEs to engage confidently in global partnerships, scale their participation, and compete internationally without regulatory uncertainty becoming a barrier to growth.

4. Sustained Government Engagement Is Critical

The U.S. Department of State is shaping the global framework for space activity—negotiating international agreements, advancing U.S. commercial competitiveness, and leading multilateral engagement on civil and commercial space. Sustained, two-way collaboration between industry and government is critical to ensuring American innovation, market priorities, and operational realities directly inform diplomatic strategy and regulatory outcomes.

5. Future Sessions Will Prioritize Dialogue and Deeper Engagement 

The kickoff session introduced a membership-based platform designed to provide ongoing export control capacity-building, agency connectivity, and curated international engagement. As the program moves forward, participants will have structured opportunities to deepen dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and translate compliance-informed strategy into tangible international collaboration.

About Meridian Space Diplomacy

Meridian launched the Space Diplomacy Initiative to strengthen U.S. global partnerships while expanding knowledge of space and international affairs. Housed within the Center for Technology, Innovation and Space, the Initiative delivers track 1.5 diplomacy, cross-sector convening, geopolitical training, and professional exchanges to advance international norms, support emerging spacefaring nations, and accelerate the global space economy for the U.S. and its allies. At its core, the Initiative is focused on preserving American leadership in the space sector through international cooperation. As part of that effort, Meridian is increasingly focused on exploring the best avenues for nations to partner with the U.S. on space as well as identifying and overcoming the barriers to this cooperation.