Inform Government's approach to regulating future space technologies
The Government’s Regulatory Horizons Council - an expert committee that advises the UK government on regulatory reform needed to support the introduction of emerging innovations - are seeking the views of industry ahead of publishing a report on how the UK Government could regulate the future of space technologies.
The report will explore what the UK should do to regulate the uses of emerging technologies in the space sector, in a way which benefits the planet, humanity, and the UK by protecting, sustaining, and growing the space economy.
Effective regulation will be essential if the UK is to lead in the New Space economy of the future. This was recently acknowledged by the Civil Aviation Authority, who overhauled their website earlier this month to make it simpler, clearer and more helpful for companies seeking a space license.
It was also the argument put forward by techUK at the UK Space Conference 2023's 'Regulation for Growth' panel session. Joined by the UK Space Agency, regulators and space Venture Capital firms, Tales Gaspar, techUK's Programme Manager for Spectrum Policy Forum and Satellite, advocated for regulatory sandboxes and testbeds to improve return on investment, plus risk mitigating activities to shield industry and investors from sunk costs.
This call for contributions is an excellent opportunity for industry to co-create the UK's future space regulation.
How can I contribute?
Contributors are asked to imagine what sort of future the UK's space sector may face in 2040 if we are to effectively regulate and harness the potential of technologies such as AI, engineering biology and Quantum.
Sections of the report include 'Drivers for change' (social, technological, environmental...), Future scenarios (where is the UK world-leading, what are the key challenges and opportunities, how do we understand risk...) and 'Recommendations'.
You can share your views by feeding into this open document by Friday 8 December.
You can visit the Regulatory Horizons Council website by clicking here.
Are you a space company looking to make the most of the UK's Space Cluster ecosystem?
Join this free webinar, taking place on 5 December and run in collaboration with Space Hub Yorkshire, to hear from a range of regional and national stakeholders at the forefront of Space Hub-industry engagement.
Attendees will have the opportunity to put questions to our expert panel. Sign up here.
In early 2024, techUK will publish its first Industry Perspective report on emerging space technologies.
This builds upon techUK's past few months of emerging space tech activity, including our Industries of the Future: Space webinar and Supercharging Innovation campaign week.
Click here to find out how industry stakeholders and members can contribute.
#SuperchargeUKTech
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Authors
Rory Daniels
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
