This report is the result of an original research effort led by the Arizona Arts, Sciences and Technology Academy (AASTA).
The goal of the research effort was to quantify, for the first time, the overall economic impact of research activities in the fields of astronomy, planetary sciences and space sciences (APSS) in the State of Arizona. AASTA contracted with the Economic and Business Research Center at the
University of Arizona Eller College of Management to conduct the data collection and economic impact analysis portions of the study. The findings of the U of A team are appended to this report.
AASTA analyzed the ancillary economic data also collected during the study. The scope of the study was limited to impacts generated by investments and expenditures associated with APSS research at Arizona’s three universities, federal laboratories, and astronomical observatories. The economic impact of related industrial activity (e.g., optics) are not included in this study. For definitional purposes, these fields of study include ground based astronomy, space based astronomy, solar system missions, earth observing missions, instrumentation and data analysis, related studies such as astrogeology and astrobiology where clear connections to planetary and solar system research can be drawn, and space related technology development.
This study found substantial capital investment (in excess of $1 billion) in, and economic return (nearly a quarter of a billion dollars annually) from APSS research in Arizona. The data also suggest the untapped potential of these research fields to expand the State’s economic base. The study revealed levels of active research funding that well exceed other fields in the State, such as bioscience funding from the National Institutes of Health.
The Arizona, Arts, Science and Technology Academy (AASTA)
The Arizona, Arts, Sciences and Technology Academy is a private, nonprofit organization that seeks to coalesce the cultural, scientific and technical wisdom of Arizona in service to its citizens and to promote the growth of an intellectual community within the State. AASTA is nonpartisan and broadly based in cultural, behavioral and social sciences, the arts and humanities, physical and biological sciences, health sciences, administration, law and engineering.
ASTA is a volunteer-led, member-based, service organization specializing in the creation and growth of a high-value scholarly society.
