Each station could have a Bulletin Board tab, with items that are dynamically generated with regards to what is going on in the neighbouring space. For example, if a particular player is killing all the trading ships in the sector, maybe an item would appear that requests for bounty hunters to kill this person for a reward. Maybe simple tasks could be available, like carry a "special" cargo from one station to another, etc.. Just thinking along the lines of Elite2:Frontier really. Perhaps this is what the devs already had in mind for the "mission" system, i dunno?

Kastin Thunderclaw,
Chief of the Thunderclaw clan.

Hmmm... This would be good with dynamic economy. For example, if there was lots of demand for Widget A in sector 7, there could be a message in the bulletin board of the adjacent sectors saying "Sector 7 has suffered a famine and needs more Widget A!" or whatever.

Yep, thats the idea... not sure if this is what they got in mind for the "missions" system though...

Kinda reminds me of Eve Online :)

When the chat system is revamped I'd like to see a type of bar evolve in all the stations. A place where players can sit and chat, buy drinks, and find out about the goings on of the surrounding area and certain "under-the-radar" missions from NPCs or other players. Meanwhile, more official missions can be posted in a bulletin area at the station. Or, players can get a job hauling cargo for a company. The work wouldn't pay as much, but the paychecks would be more steady and easier to come by than freelance work.