Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Accepted
Paragraph: 113
The current procurement systems are limiting the growth of the UK space sector and SMEs...
Recommendation
The current procurement systems are limiting the growth of the UK space sector and SMEs require further support to access new customers and expand. The Government should further consider how procurement could be used to support businesses and leverage further private investment. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy should work with the Ministry of Defence to establish improved procurement mechanisms.
Government Response Summary
The government describes current programmes that support space clusters, provide funding, and stimulate private investment in UK space infrastructure through the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF).
Paragraph Reference:
113
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Through equal access to funding and support, the UK Space Agency aims to create the environment for space clusters to emerge and flourish. It is right that local space sector plans are designed and led at the local level, with UKSA providing the support mechanisms to enable delivery. To date, this support has enabled local clusters to map their space capabilities, identify addressable markets and develop and deliver local space strategies, including targets for jobs and business growth. UKSA is also in the process of awarding further grant funding to clusters to enable them to manage and coordinate their local space community, secure investment, forge partnerships between academia and industry and help businesses to access markets and investment. Funding has also been awarded to deliver locally-led, high-impact projects that can help to develop local space capabilities, improve public services using space or increase knowledge exchange. Recipients of funding are required to set targets against UKSA metrics for jobs, business growth and investment and report against these as a condition of their funding. UKSA will be working with its delivery partner, the Satellite Applications Catapult, to develop capabilities propositions for each of the clusters to help catalyse inward investment. UKSA will also be working alongside DSIT to develop the Space Sector Policy, including a shared strategic approach to cluster development across Government. 14 Government Response: UK space strategy and UK satellite infrastructure In addition, as highlighted in the UKSA Corporate plan 2022–25, £65m has been allocated to the Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) to stimulate private investment in UK space infrastructure to help increase the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for R&D investment. SCIF is being designed to work with industry to make place-based infrastructure investments, creating new opportunities and jobs.