http://moonandback.com/2011/08/17/futron-corp-releases-its-2011-space-competitiveness-index/
2011 competitiveness trends for 10 leading nations
The United States remains the overall leader in space competitiveness, but its relative position continues to decline as other countries enhance their capabilities while the U.S. undergoes major transitions, particularly in the arena of human spaceflight.
Europe combines integrated space activity with individual country efforts, which have proliferated through the formation of new national space initiatives across the continent—from the United Kingdom to the Czech Republic to Estonia—as well as more assertive space export financing.
Russia continues to lead the world in launches, and is poised for increased activity, with a vital role transporting astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station, as well as the introduction of Soyuz launches from the European spaceport at Kourou.
China performed a record number of launches in 2010, matching the United States for the first time, while increasing investment in technical education programs and civilian research institutes.
Japan has strengthened its competitive position through space policy reforms that continue to filter through government and industry. But in the 2011 results, these gains were not enough to maintain Japan’s position relative to China’s rapid ascent.
India, one of only two countries to leapfrog positions in the 2011 results, is enhancing its space-related technical education in pursuit of next-generation launch goals.
Canada retains a skilled space workforce, and Canadian space companies performed well in 2010, but delays in space policy refresh and implementation offset its competitive edge.
South Korea has undergone an organizational shakeup following two failed launch attempts, and remains determined to become the newest country to achieve independent spaceflight.
Israel offers niche entrepreneurial strengths, but is challenged by a lack of domestic industry scale and difficulty sustaining a commercial space presence in global markets.
Brazil has begun to re-examine its national space priorities, expanded its international partnerships, and laid plans for a new launch vehicle. It remains to be seen whether these steps will keep Brazil ahead of other countries in the region that also are emerging onto the space scene.