Following the Prime Minister’s decision to bring together business, innovation, science and trade into a single department, responsibility for the UK Space Agency will transfer into the new Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST). Our assessment is that, while there will inevitably be challenges during the transition, the new structure presents a significant strategic opportunity for our industry.
For many years the space sector has argued that it should not be viewed solely as a science programme. Space is now an advanced manufacturing industry, a strategic national capability and a critical enabler of economic growth, defence, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) and public services. The creation of DBIST places space alongside the very policy levers that will increasingly determine the sector’s success: industrial strategy, innovation, investment, advanced manufacturing, exports and business growth.
This is a much broader platform from which to grow the case for the sector.
The UK space sector contributes directly to each of the new Government’s key priorities of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, national resilience and technological leadership. At the same time, the Government has elevated AI, defence and cross-government delivery to the centre of its agenda. These developments create new opportunities for the space sector. Earth observation, positioning, navigation and timing, satellite communications and space-derived data will become increasingly important as Government deploys AI across public services, strengthens national resilience and modernises defence capability. Space is a cross-cutting capability. Its value extends well beyond a single department and touches almost every part of Government.
There is therefore a legitimate concern that without effective coordination, responsibility could become fragmented or that space risks competing for attention alongside many other important priorities. This is precisely where UKspace has a vital role to play.
As the recognised voice of the UK space industry, UKspace is uniquely placed to ensure that the sector speaks with a coherent and authoritative voice during this transition. We have long argued that the future of the sector depends upon engagement across Government, not simply with one sponsoring department. The new machinery of government changes reinforces that conclusion.
Over the coming months, we will work closely with the leadership of the UK Space Agency, ministers and officials across DBIST, the Ministry of Defence, HM Treasury, the Cabinet Office and other departments, to ensure that the opportunities created by these reforms are fully realised. We will advocate for space to remain firmly embedded within the Government’s Industrial Strategy, Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, Defence priorities, AI agenda and wider growth mission.
Equally importantly, we will work with the UK Space Agency to help ensure that the sector does not “fall between the cracks” as new structures and responsibilities become established. The Agency has been an invaluable partner to industry over many years, and we will continue to support and strengthen its efforts to champion the sector across Whitehall.
This transition also reinforces why a strong trade association is more important than ever. As Government becomes increasingly cross-departmental, the sector requires an organisation capable of engaging across the whole of Whitehall, coordinating industry views and presenting a compelling strategic case for investment and growth. That is the role UKspace exists to perform.
Our priorities over the coming months will therefore be clear:
- Ensuring that the collective voice of our members is heard clearly across Government
- Supporting the UK Space Agency as it establishes itself within DBIST
- Building strong relationships with the new ministerial team and senior officials
- Ensuring space is recognised as a strategic enabler of the Government’s missions on growth, resilience, defence and AI
- Advocating for policies that strengthen the competitiveness of UK space companies at home and internationally.
The UK space sector enters this new phase from a position of under-realised strength. Britain possesses one of Europe’s most capable and innovative commercial space industries. The challenge now is to ensure that Government fully recognises the contribution that industry can make to its ambitions.
UKspace looks forward to working with all our members – and with colleagues across Government – to make that case.