Published: 29 June 2009
A 20 Year Plan for Budding Captain Kirks
The Innovation Growth Team for Space has been formed to create a 20 year strategy for British leadership in space and will be chaired by Andy Green (CEO of Logica).
It will seek views from the entire space industry, and industries such as entertainment, navigation and climate change that rely on space technology.
It will set out the challenges and opportunities that govern future value creation, competitiveness and growth in the space sector.
Our world relies on space technology for a wide range of services, from monitoring the effects of climate change and weather forecasting to telecoms services and satellite navigation.
Space creates high value R&D, manufacturing and skills for the UK economy that the Government’s recent strategy on New Industry New Jobs outlined as the foundation for future UK success.
New Industry New Jobs called for a more strategic approach to UK industrial policy in the future - focusing on those industries that will drive discovery and economic growth in this century.
The Space IGT’s work will contribute to that strategic approach, with industry and Government working together to shape the future success of the sector.
The Space IGT will draw on leadership experience from some of Britain’s top space companies. It will identify the future innovation, technology and investment priorities for the sector and other enablers of growth.
The group will also seek to create a ‘space aware’ culture in the UK with a space career path being defined for students wishing to enter the sector. In addition it will consider how to ensure that government policy is better aligned to meet the future needs of the industry.
Andy Green, CEO of Logica and Chairman of the Space Innovation and Growth Team said:
“Space is one of the few sectors in the UK economy that is enjoying almost double digit growth and has the potential to do so for decades to come. We will set out ways to help the sector on its upwards trajectory, by ensuring that Britain has the necessary skills and policy framework, and a climate that fosters innovation.”
The Space IGT is expected to announce preliminary findings at the end of 2009 with the full report being published in early 2010.
Further information
Innovation Growth Team for Space
British National Space Centre (BNSC)
European Space Agency
2009 International Year of Astronomy
Royal Aeronautical Society
UK High Altitude Society
New Industry New Jobs
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