November 2024
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The conference focused on next steps for the UK space sector.
It was an opportunity to assess the future for the industry in the context of the Government’s proposed Industrial Strategy, including developing the role of the space sector in supporting national and regional economic growth, as well as in supporting industries such as energy, defence, and climate monitoring.
Stakeholders and policymakers looked at the way forward for improved coordination and collaboration between businesses, researchers and investors in order to drive innovation, with the Secretary of State recently highlighting strategic partnerships as a priority for the sector. Delegates discussed the support that the sector needs, alongside strategies for creating stability and certainty, including the way forward for longer-term strategic planning and funding cycles, considering what this could look like in practice and how partnerships can best be structured.
Sessions in the agenda discussed industry concerns over the UK’s funding strategy, including that additional funding announced by the Government for UKSA’s National Space Innovation Programme lacks focus. We also expected discussion on improving clarity from government on funding and strategic ambitions as well as value for money from public investment, and options for developing the Government’s commercial outlook and funding relationship with the industry, following findings in the NAO’s July 2024 National Space Strategy and the role of the UK Space Agency report.
Further discussion considered the impact of the space sector on regional growth, looking at priorities for growing the Scottish space sector, as well as next steps for development of diversity and skills in the space and STEM workforce. Delegates considered the future for international relationships in research and addressing global challenges, and the impact of plans for a greater European Space Agency presence in UK space skills training, alongside the Government’s proposals to set up Skills England, on addressing the skills gap in the sector.
The conference was also an opportunity to examine strategies for supporting SMEs and assess whether policies adequately address the needs of small businesses. Delegates assessed opportunities created by policies such as the creation of a National Wealth Fund for national and regional development within the space sector.
Approaches for creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation were also considered, with discussion on the Government’s proposals to create a Regulatory Innovation Office and implications for advancing domestic space technology.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Ian Bishop, Deputy Director, Space Strategy, DSIT; Geraldine Naja, Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, European Space Agency; Rebecca Jones, Senior Audit Manager, NAO; Dr Hira Virdee, Founder and CEO, Lumi Space; and Dr Bleddyn Bowen, Associate Professor, Astropolitics, Durham University.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- UK space sector development: policy, strategic planning and funding - the National Space Strategy and challenges facing the sector - priorities for supporting innovation and economic growth
- investment: assessing the private-public funding mix - attracting private finance - achieving value for money - cross-sector engagement on space investment and joint opportunities for growth
- industrial strategy:
- innovation and green growth - the role of space in supporting infrastructure and energy sectors - improving co-ordination within the sector and externally with industry partners
- assessing government priorities for supporting SMEs - opportunities through the National Wealth Fund - impact on economic growth regionally and in the UK nations
- workforce development: recruitment and skills - driving diversity - improving mid-level recruitment - space career pathways - potential for developing a STEM workplace action plan
- international role: growing the UK’s position in the global space industry - supporting research and action on global challenges such as climate change - advancing sustainable space practice
- regulation: role of the proposed Regulatory Innovation Office - developing a framework to support sustainable space innovation and grow space enterprise - tax system reform
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from DSIT; DBT; UKSA; UKIB; Defra; DESNZ; DfT; FCDO; Geospatial Commission; GLD; IPO; Home Office; HSE; IPO; MHCLG; MOD; MAA; RAF; NAO; Ofcom; and the Welsh Government.
