Department of Science, Innovation & Technology can turbocharge space sector

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.  

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.” 

George Freeman also joins the new department as Minister of State alongside Paul Scully as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State.