SIT set to support UK innovation
Image copyright Shutterstock
The department has been tasked to drive innovation for practical solutions to current societal challenges and to help the UK to become the most innovative economy in the world while creating new, higher-paid jobs to fuel economic growth.
The department will be headed up by Michelle Donelan following her spell at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which was previously in charge of overseeing the UK’s tech ecosystem but will now be stripped of its digital jurisdiction.
George Freeman also joins the new department as Minister of State alongside Paul Scully as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.
Nadeem Gabbani, Founder of Exobotics, commented: “The UK has suffered several setbacks to begin the year with the unfortunate Virgin Orbit launch mission and the closure of tech incubator Tech Nation, so it is good to see the government forming a new science and innovation department in an attempt to keep the UK on the front foot.”
“The reshuffle could have a positive long-term impact on high potential industries such as space, with the UK’s budding space ecosystem ever-growing. Streamlined innovation support can help drive regional growth to areas such as Cornwall which are leading the charge for the UK’s space efforts, supported by local businesses and education institutions.”
“2023 is set to be a big year for the space industry with several UK companies having planned launch missions, new technologies being developed, and undoubtedly a host of new space start-ups set to be formed. The industry already employs an estimated 50,000 people across the UK, and support through the new SIT department can help turbocharge the space sector with the new, high-paid jobs outlined in the department's formation.”
Alan Thompson, Head of Government Affairs at Skyrora, said: "Skyrora is delighted that the Prime Minister has recognised the compelling opportunity that Science, Technology and Space represent for the UK economy and allocated greater resource to reinforce this priority and seek to congratulate Secretary of State Michelle Donelan MP upon her appointment.
"Minister of State George Freeman MP and the time investment he continues to make to the ongoing success of UK Space sector, is of great significance due to the enormity of ‘making Space work’ domestically. Launch and the realisation of the commercial launch sector and gaining access to Space, will form a tipping point in the UK’s qualitative next step in becoming a Science and Technology Superpower and we are delighted that Minister of State George Freeman MP remains in the driving seat to push this forward.
"Beyond the UK space industry, this newly created ministerial position will also be of huge importance for the UK tech ecosystem and its impact on the wider economy moving forward.”
