Moderator: Opening General Session - What's the (Next) Big Idea?

Karen L. Jones is a space economist and senior policy and strategy analyst in the Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation. In this role she analyzes space market trends and technologies that impact government missions, commercial space activities, and adjacent markets. She has published numerous papers addressing topics such as: game changing and disruptive technologies, investing in innovation, public private partnerships, blockchain, undersea cables, critical minerals in the space supply chain, remote sensing strategies to address climate change, methane emissions, space based solar power, space infrastructure and geopolitical strategies in the Arctic region.
Prior to joining Aerospace, Jones worked as a management consultant for IBM Global Services focusing on the telecommunications industry, and later e-business strategy. Prior to IBM she was a management consultant for Arthur D. Little. Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Louisiana State University and a master’s in business administration from Yale University.