Paul Liias

Space sector executive operating at the intersection of technology, industry and European governance. I help translate strategy into industrial growth, commercial opportunities and international partnerships.

My career spans spacecraft engineering, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, national policy and executive governance. This combination allows me to bridge technical, commercial and institutional perspectives to help organisations navigate the rapidly evolving space sector.

I currently serve as Head of Space at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, where I lead Estonia's engagement with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the EU Space Programme. Alongside this role, I serve as Chair of the Administrative Board of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and recently concluded my mandate as Chair of ESA's Administrative and Finance Committee, where I led one of the Agency's principal governance committees responsible for administrative, financial, legal and organizational matters.

Throughout my career, I have focused on creating the conditions for long-term growth in the space sector. I led the development of Estonia's Space Policy and Programme 2020–2027 and currently lead the country's national space strategy update and the development of its first comprehensive space legislation. My work has centred on strengthening collaboration between governments, industry, research organisations and international partners to enable innovation, competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Before entering government, I worked in spacecraft engineering and manufacturing and co-founded a space company. That experience continues to shape how I approach leadership: combining strategic thinking with practical execution and a strong understanding of how technology moves from concept to operational capability.

My interests include industrial strategy, commercialisation, international cooperation, dual-use technologies, advanced manufacturing, space security and the long-term competitiveness of the European space ecosystem.

You can find more information under www.paulliias.com