Assessing the maturity of EO activities at national level Based on the GEO-CRADLE Maturity Indicators Methodology

摘要

Earth Observation (EO) is increasingly used across the globe in support of key societal challenges. To maximise its impact, decision makers and other actors along the value chain, require reliable data on the state and progress of different aspects of EO activities. In that context, we propose the use of "maturity indicators", as an independent, up-to-date and replicable methodology for the assessment and monitoring of EO maturity at national level. The aim of this approach, developed within the EU-funded H2020 GEO-CRADLE project, is to establish an analytical tool that allows the quantitative measurement of the current EO capabilities in a given country and their evolution over time. To that end, we have defined a set of indicators across three main fields: "Capacities", "Cooperation" and "National Uptake and Awareness". For each of the indicators, we developed a methodology to allow the assessment of its maturity level. In parallel, we established a standardized process for the collection and analysis of the necessary data. This entails primary research by organizations with deep involvement in national and international EO activities, enhancement through publicly accessible data sources and a cross-validation of findings by renowned national experts. This approach was tested over a period of 15 months, through the mobilisation of the GEO-CRADLE country partners, covering 11 countries from the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa. After analysing the collected data, we developed a standardised visualisation in the form of a "maturity card". The results of the implementation of the methodology are highly appreciated by the GEO Secretariat and the country representatives. The maturity cards have proven to be a powerful tool to highlight strengths and weaknesses, communicate on identified gaps, understand the level of uptake of key initiatives such as Copernicus and GEO, and guide future EO activities. Thus, the current results reflect the impact of long-term invest