Thomas Hoerber

Professor Thomas Hoerber

Small Group Project 2016-17

What potential for a European Space Policy?

The research group will consider the present use of space technologies, its benefits and the costs to the EU. The purpose is to take stock of the existing space infrastructures; what purpose they serve; where there are difficulties in making these space assets useful; and where there is potential to achieving this objective through further European integration of space services. This may also provide the opportunity for a sociological study of behaviour and motivations of key drivers in European space policy, i.e. can a European space policy be inspirational; where do the sources of such inspiration lie; do such idealistic motivations influence decision makers in their work on space policy.

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Areas of interest

Europe Economics Law History of Political Thought Economic Theory Space European Union Environmental Policy European Studies International Relations

Cohort

FG2

Biography

Thomas Hoerber is a Professor in the Economics, Law and Society department at ESSCA School of Management, based at the Angers campus, where they have also served as Associate Faculty Dean since 2024. They hold an M.Phil. (2000) and PhD in European Studies (2006) from the University of Cambridge, and a Higher Doctorate (Habilitation) in Social Sciences and Humanities from Passau University (2018).

Hoerber's research spans European economics and law, the history of political and economic thought, post-war and inter-war European history, and — most distinctively — the space, energy, and environmental policies of the EU and its partners. They are Head of the ESSCA EU*Asia Institute (since 2016) and hold a Jean Monnet Chair in Teaching and Research in European Studies (2022), alongside a 2025 Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence award for the project "STARS: European Space Policy — Taking Europe to the Stars." Prior to their academic career, Hoerber worked as an assistant to members of the German Bundestag on defence and research portfolios (2000–2007).

Biographical details correct as of 21.05.26