The Action Plan comes three years after the Space Innovation & Growth Strategy (IGS), published in February of 2010. The Action Plan proposes measures designed to enable the UK to develop an even more supportive business environment, in which space companies can deliver growth and benefit to the national economy.
In addition to a call for stronger support for export and an improved regulatory framework for space activity, the report also focuses on measures to create and sustain new business in related markets, including the development of a vibrant regional SME community spread across the UK.
The Space IGS, published in February 2010, made 16 recommendations to build on the momentum of a sector that has grown on average by 7.5% since 2008/2009. The 2010 report laid out the ambition to increase the UK’s share of the global market from 6.5% to 10% by 2030, generating £40 billion a year for the economy.
Key service sectors identified in this plan as opportunities for the UK space industry include better transport management and government services using satellite data, and seamless connectivity for telecommunications around the world. UK satellite manufacturing and technical excellence will also be expected to grow to accommodate the increasing demand for services, while new areas of expansion, such as low-cost access to space and renewable energy from space will create unique opportunities for the market.
Led by Andy Green, the co-chair of the UK Space Leadership Council, the Space IGS team analyzed the challenges facing the sector and made five key recommendations to build on the momentum of the last five years.
Andy Green said, “I launched the Space Innovation and Growth Strategy in 2010 and, since then, much has been achieved under the auspices of the Space Leadership Council with the establishment of our highly-successful UK Space Agency and the new Satellite Applications Catapult. We have also had a step-change in our commitment to the European Space Agency and their commitment to UK leadership in key programs.
“Industry is starting to deliver the programs and services that will help create new wealth and jobs. With this action plan, we now have the next steps that will deliver a surge of growth and to enable the UK space sector to continue to punch above its weight in the global space market.”
Universities and Science Minister, David Willetts, said, "The UK space industry is already a success story. It's worth £9 billion to the economy annually and employs nearly 30,000 people. But we can and should do more. Space is one of the eight great technologies of the future and I want to make the UK the best place to grow existing and new businesses in the world.
"Space technology is an essential part of everyday life and is vital for weather forecasting, navigation, global communications and broadcasting. Traffic monitoring, for example, relies on the GPS satellite system. It's an incredibly exciting and wide ranging sector with huge potential for expansion.
"I share the Space Leadership Councils vision to encourage billions of pounds worth of new exports, to create up to 100,000 skilled jobs and contribute to a vibrant regional small business sector spread across the UK, ensuring we remain competitive in the global space market."