The Space Innovation and Growth Team (Space IGT), a joint collaboration between industry, Government, and academia, welcomes today’s response by Government to their Innovation and Growth Strategy (IGS), a 20-year plan for UK space, published 10 February 2010.
That document set out a clear vision for the UK to grow its share of the expanding global space market from 6% to 10%, creating a domestic industry worth £40bn pa supporting 100,000 new jobs, by 2025.
Few UK industries have such a platform of success on which to build, or such strong revenue potential. Making the most of this unique opportunity, however, requires a closer and more proactive working relationship between Government and industry.
Government today signalled its long-term commitment to working with the satellite technology and services sector to deliver this vision, announcing a number of important ‘first steps’.
First, the creation of the UK Space Agency is warmly welcomed and industry looks forward to playing a full and active role in its development. Space is a truly global business and without appropriate support, the national interest is difficult to protect. It is hoped that the UK Space Agency will have the powers necessary to ensure our domestic industry realises its full potential on the world stage.
The development of a new centre of space excellence at Harwell (ISIC) is also a positive step forward. This facility will help connect the UK’s various localised areas of expertise and increase opportunities for ‘home grown’ research and development, new business incubation and the creation of intellectual property.
Industry will add £16m to the initial investment of £12m funding announced by Government and £12m from other agencies including SEEDA and TSB.
For the first time, Government has formally acknowledged the potential for UK space to deliver broadband connectivity as part of its Universal Access policy. The IGT welcomes the commitment, made today, to fund a study investigating the role of space in connecting remote communities, and additionally, a study of how it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the ICT industry.
The announcement of a comparable working group to explore the need for a domestic Earth Observation (EO) capability is also encouraging. The UK is already a leader in the creation of EO technology, and the Government has today agreed to give serious consideration to a domestic EO provision which would, if deployed, greatly improve our ability to monitor and safeguard our environment, respond to emergencies, police domestic greenhouse gas emissions and even create new data-based business opportunities at home and for export.
Government has also recognised the economic benefits of the award of a pan-European S Band licence to a UK company. It sees the benefits that will come from being at the heart of pan-European development and exploitation of a new emergency / security broadband communications channel. We welcome creation of a new end-user committee to review the technology. And that it will ask UKTI to help promote take-up of the new services both at home and across mainland Europe,
The IGT regret that there is no positive commitment as regards the recommendations that the UK increase its leadership, involvement and funding in ESA. It is understood that we are in exceptionally challenging times financially, but the UK space industry asks Government to maintain a dialogue about these recommendations as they would deliver considerable economic as well as scientific returns to the country.
Lastly, the IGT welcomes the creation of a new Space Leadership Council and looks forward to making it a success.
In conclusion, Andy Green, Chair of the IGT and Chief Executive of Logica said, “I welcome the support shown for the IGS. These are positive first steps and identify a framework we can develop. Industry is eager to work with Government on the various studies identified in the run up to a future spending review, where we expect Government will be able to prioritise funding and activate smart procurement. This will then enable the UK to capitalize on the huge growth opportunity ahead.”
The UK commercial space sector is a British success story, exemplifying our creative and technological capabilities and entrepreneurial spirit. It punches above its weight and has become an important player on the global stage.
The new spirit of close cooperation forged during the IGT process, and reinforced by the Government’s response to the 20 Year Plan, is to be celebrated. For the first time, the UK has a long-term strategy for the whole sector and a shared vision of success. These are important first steps, but the UK will only achieve a domestic business worth £40bn per year, and generate 100,000 new jobs, if these are followed by appropriate funding.
For interviews contact Richard Knight at Mission 21
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