In which direction will astronomical research go over the next 30 years? This is a key question that the executives at ESO (European Southern Observatory) need to ask themselves before they decide to initiate a new project. Dr. Fernando Comerón, Head of the ESO Data Management and Operations Division in Garching bei München, talked to BBA and MBA students at the EU Munich campus on 23 February 2010. He presented the challenges currently facing ESO, an NGO (Non-governmental organization) specializing in building and managing astrological observatories.

Dr. Comerón introduced a fascinating business model. Depending on current research/development trends, ESO must raise funding, identify the correct scientific components to install and also deal with any political interests until they are able to build a new facility. The fact that this resource must also be made available for research by the scientific community should also be taken into consideration. Astrology is a fast-moving field and so long-term planning carries enormous risk: if research techniques suddenly change, a facility may become obsolete before it is even built.

He continued to underline that the projects which ESO undertake require huge investment. ESO manages an annual budget of about 200€ million. He went on to say that larger projects usually require additional funding, and that ESO must have policy in place to raise this extra capital.

After the study group, students commented that the challenges faced by ESO, a research-oriented NGO, seem similar to those faced by the majority of the international companies. However they were able to identify the important distinctions between careers in a pure research environment and in business management. They also realized that at the end of the day it is all about acquiring and coordinating resources and people to fulfill the needs of key stakeholders.