techUK's first Emerging Space Technologies report is now live!
techUK has published its first Emerging Space Technologies Industry Perspective Report, which explores the opportunities that will be created by the growing commercialisation of space.
This comprehensive analysis - informed by a four-month 'sprint campaign' led by Rory Daniels, techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies - unveils a blueprint for the UK to emerge as a leading force in the rapidly evolving New Space industry.
Click the image to download the full report
The report highlights a pivotal moment akin to the invention of the Internet, with the emergence of the New Space Economy poised to redefine entire industries, both on Earth and in space. Whilst access to space was once exclusively the domain of governments, today the space sector is witnessing a surge of commercial activity, creating unparalleled opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
The UK space sector already generates £17.5 billion of economic value and employs over 48,000 people, however, it holds the potential for even greater expansion, with profound implications for virtually every facet of industry. Some industries, such as telecommunications, will be reshaped, with the introduction of new products, services, producers, and consumers. Others, like data centres, will be redefined as their business models and purposes evolve. Many more industries will be created as new solutions to problems emerge as a by-product of the growing commercialisation of space.
How the UK can lead
Integral to harnessing the rewards of the New Space Economy and propelling the UK to the forefront are emerging technologies such as AI, Quantum, data analytics, robotics, and semiconductors. These technologies will play a pivotal role in reshaping industries and maximising the UK's potential for growth within the sector.
techUK also identifies six key enablers essential for the UK to assert leadership in these emerging technologies and industries.
Each of these will play a critical role in supporting the UK to become a New Space Superpower, leveraging its legacy, expertise, and early lead in space technologies to foster greater prosperity and security:
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Encouraging diversification across the sector by enticing non-space companies to develop emerging space technologies and offer a broader range of space products and services across various industries.
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Streamlining regulation for space products and services, with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spearheading efforts to consolidate application and review processes for space systems.
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Addressing the skills gap by facilitating regular industry input and ensuring access to top international talent by simplifying visa applications to facilitate international recruitment.
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Cultivating a more robust and diverse space finance ecosystem through the implementation of new financial initiatives, reforms, and support packages, and by consolidating space-related purchasing.
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Championing space sustainability by ensuring space and non-space companies are involved early in government technology development schemes and international initiatives, plus by expanding the scope and duration of an existing programme.
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Leveraging international space partnerships to shape trade policies governing emerging space technologies, advocating for the inclusion of innovation chapters and negative list systems in future trade deals.
The report also outlines ten policy recommendations to serve as practical suggestions as to how industry, Government and wider stakeholders can turn these enablers into reality.
As the New Space Economy continues to emerge, it is imperative for stakeholders across industries to grasp the opportunities and challenges it presents. We urge policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to put the recommendations outlined in this report into practice and work together to realise the immense opportunities presented by the New Space Economy. Together, we can propel the UK to new heights of growth and innovation in the global space industry and enable it to become a New Space Superpower.
Event round-up – Industries of the Future: Space
On 20 September 2023, techUK hosted the next installment in the Industries of the Future series.
The webinar explored the space industry of tomorrow and panellists spoke about what steps the UK can take to become a superpower across a broad spectrum of emerging and transformative space technologies
techUK recently held its first Supercharging Investment in Space panel discussion and networking session, which took place on 30 October from 1-3pm at the techUK offices.
Attendees heard from a panel consisting of Government, space SMEs and VCs discussing how the UK can improve access to growth capital for space SMEs looking to scale. A networking session followed.
Click here to view the event recording and read the summary.
techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation
The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.
techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
Upcoming events
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Sprint Campaigns
techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.
Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).
Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK.
techUK's latest sprint campaign is on Robotic & Automation technologies. Find out how to get involved by clicking here.
Running from September to November 2023, this campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies, bring more non-space companies into the sector, and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.
These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.
Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report. The report, containing member case studies and policy recommendations, was launched in March 2024 at Satellite Applications Catapult's Harwell campus.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.
Event round-ups
Report
Insights
Get in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- rory.daniels@techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Campaign Weeks
Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.
Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.
Summits
Tech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024
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Rory Daniels
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.
This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
- Email:
- rory.daniels@techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Laura Foster
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.
- Email:
- laura.foster@techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster
Tales Gaspar
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).
Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.
- Email:
- tales.gaspar@techuk.org
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
- Website:
- www.techUK.org
- LinkedIn:
- www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar
Authors
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.