December 2023
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference examined next steps for the UK space sector.
It brought together stakeholders and policymakers to assess plans and ambitions outlined in the National Space Strategy in Action policy paper published by DSIT and the MOD.
Delegates analysed implications for key stakeholders and issues for implementation as the UK continues with implementation of the National Space Strategy.
They also examined priorities for skills, investment and supporting further growth and sector development. We expected discussion on providing policy guidance and confidence for industry and investors involved in putting in place both civil and defence-orientated capabilities, as well as competition within the sector, and access for start-ups and new entrants.
Further sessions looked at key areas for research and international collaborative agreements, building upon the UK’s competitive advantages, and advancing UK international positioning in science and exploration, commercial applications, and addressing wider global challenges.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Samuel Whelan, Senior Advisor, Space Strategy, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; Craig Brown, Investment Director, UK Space Agency; Elizabeth Quintana, Head of Space and Science, Ofcom; Colin MacLeod, Head of UK Spaceflight Regulation, Civil Aviation Authority; Neil Rae, Head of UK Space, KPMG; Dr Heidi Thiemann, Co-Founder & Director, Space Skills Alliance; Pam Underwood, Director, Office of Spaceports, Federal Aviation Administration; and James Cemmell, Vice President of Government Relations, Inmarsat.
Sessions in the agenda included:
- National Space Strategy in Action: Space Sector Plan implementation - what it means for key stakeholders - government priorities moving forward - key issues for regulation
- Workforce: achieving a skilled and diverse space sector - key roles - education, training and careers guidance - building the talent pipeline - developing a coordinated approach
- Sector growth: scale and application of government investment - attracting private finance and developing investor confidence - support for innovation and collaborative research frameworks
- Collaboration: UK and European space programmes moving forward - next steps for developing research relationships - commercial, higher education and governmental partnerships
- International competitiveness: advancing the UK’s global position - strategies for international leadership - leveraging UK competitive advantages
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DBT; DESNZ; DfT; DSIT; Dstl; FCDO; GLD; GO-Science; HM Treasury; MOD; NAO; Ofcom; UKSA; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.
