Summary of the Space Data Utilization Evaluation of the Canadian Space Agency

Program Description

The Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) Space Utilization Program (SUP) ensures that Canada fully benefits from the opportunities offered by space for the benefit of Canadians.

The Program ensures that public sector organizations, academia and industry have access to space‑based data, information and services to support policy development and decision‑making, connect Canada with Canadians, and improve understanding of the Earth.

About the Evaluation

Evaluation Strategy

As the Program's second evaluation, the evaluation of the use of spatial data aims to provide a neutral, evidence‑based assessment to support decision‑making and the continuous improvement of the Program.

Scope of the Evaluation

The relevance, effectiveness and efficiency of activities related to the use of satellite data produced and delivered by the SUP, as well as related activities such as application development and services to Canadians, between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2024.

Data Collection Methods

Document review, internal interviews, observations and an external survey.

Principal Findings of the Evaluation

Program Relevance

• The program is of strategic importance to several federal departments due to the satellite data it enables to be produced and made accessible, as well as its support for industry and academia.
• In response to growing needs and a diversifying user base, the program has demonstrated its adaptability.
• Despite the efforts undertaken by the program, access to and ease of use of satellite data remain challenges for several stakeholders.

Program Performance

• Targets for expected outputs and anticipated results were largely met and exceeded, despite certa in procurement challenges.
• The program complies with federal requirements related to the measurement, monitoring and reporting of service performance information. However, there is a discrepancy between the results reported by the program to central agencies and the public information published on the Government of Canada's portal.

Program Efficiency

• Overall, the program uses its human and financial resources appropriately to produce outputs and achieve the expected results.
• The program has adapted to emerging needs through innovative initiatives and structuring actions. However, it must clarify its strategic role and target client groups to avoid dispersion.
• There are opportunities to improve efficiency, due to the absence of a formal stakeholder engagement strategy and the division of responsibilities related to this function between two teams.
• Challenges were encountered due to a lack of clarity regarding internal roles and responsibilities related to capacity development.

Recommendations

1. Clarify the SUP's strategic role within the Canadian space ecosystem with respect to data use and application development, and explicitly define the Program's target client groups.
2. Clarify internal roles and responsibilities related to capacity development and stakeholder engagement, and develop a stakeholder engagement strategy.