The Economic and Social Impact of Space-based Technologies

As space-based technologies become integrated into the global economy, governments and businesses are rethinking how satellite connectivity can expand opportunity, strengthen resilience, and accelerate economic development. Once viewed primarily through the lens of exploration and national security, commercial space capabilities are now supporting critical infrastructure, digital inclusion, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and public service delivery. As countries invest in next-generation communications networks, collaboration between government and industry is becoming essential to ensuring these technologies deliver lasting economic and societal benefits.  

Against this backdrop, Meridian International Center convened members of its Corporate Council for a Global Dialogue Dinner in partnership with Amazon Leo to examine the growing role of low Earth orbit satellite technology in expanding global connectivity. The off-the-record discussion brought together senior U.S. government officials, ambassadors, industry executives, economists, and space policy experts to explore how public-private collaboration can help unlock new opportunities for innovation, investment, and digital infrastructure. Featured speakers included Tom Florino, Director of Economic Development at Amazon; Arrow Augerot, Director of International Policy for the Americas at Amazon Leo; Adam Cassady, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Deputy Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA); Jay Schwarz, Chief of Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Jim Golsen, Vice President of Meridian's Center for Corporate Diplomacy; and Laurence Wilse-Samson, Economist at Oxford Economics. 

The conversation explored how satellite broadband is becoming an increasingly important tool for expanding access to high-speed internet, particularly in underserved and remote communities, while supporting broader economic development goals. Participants examined the policy, regulatory, and investment environments needed to accelerate deployment, recognizing that governments, industry, and international partners each play a role in ensuring emerging space-based technologies can be adopted effectively. The discussion also highlighted the growing importance of commercial space capabilities as countries modernize digital infrastructure and seek new pathways for sustainable economic growth.  

The Global Dialogue Dinner underscored the expanding role of the private sector in shaping the future of the global space economy. By convening leaders from government, business, and the diplomatic community, Meridian continues to provide a trusted forum for dialogue on the policies, partnerships, and innovations that will define the next generation of economic development and international cooperation. 

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The Economic and Social Impact of Space-based Technologies | July 2026