Strategic Entry Pathways and Value Creation in the New Space Economy: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis

As the New Space Economy (NSE) matures into a multi-layered ecosystem of private and public actors, firms face the dual challenge of navigating technical ‘valleys of death’ and complex geopolitical headwinds. This article proposes a multi-dimensional analysis and presents a holistic map to guide strategic business model innovation in the NSE, addressing the complexities inherent in this nascent, high-stakes sector, which is defined by the convergence of public, private, and technological forces. The framework extends the Resource-Knowledge Generalizability Model by incorporating two critical, yet often overlooked, dimensions: the geopolitical context and the concept of pluralistic accountability. It posits that successful entry into the NSE is not merely a function of a firm’s internal capabilities but is deeply contingent on navigating a complex, multi-layered ecosystem. The article details three strategic entry pathways: Repurposing, Reinvention, and Discovery, and conceptually models their optimal conditions based on a firm’s resource availability and knowledge generalizability. Furthermore, it explores the impact of Technology Readiness Levels and infrastructure gaps on commercial agility. By bridging the gap between strategic management theory and the practicalities of the Anthropocene, this research offers a theoretical foundation for evolving business models to create value that is commercially profitable, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable. It provides actionable insights for scholars, managers, and entrepreneurs while proposing a research agenda for the future of the orbital economy.