Our research has informed a new Parliamentary report on how the UK can strengthen its position in the global space sector.
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has published ‘The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out’.
The report warns that the UK risks losing ground in an increasingly competitive environment unless it acts quickly to deliver a coherent national strategy.
It highlights a need for clear long-term direction, investment in multi-use technologies, stronger cross-government coordination, and a national focus on skills and sustainability.
The report was informed by a inquiry, to which three Durham researchers contributed.
Dr Bleddyn Bowen, from our School of Government and International Affairs, gave oral evidence, and Dr Nikita Chiu, from our Business School, and Professor Michael Bohlander, from our Law School, submitted written evidence.
Dr Bowen and Dr Chiu, from our Space Research Centre, focused on technology governance, international collaboration, and responsible innovation in the space sector. Their evidence shaped discussions on global partnerships, links between civil and defence space activity, and the need for coordinated, multi-disciplinary leadership.
Prof Bohlander’s evidence related to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), highlighting the need for better government support regarding research into these issues and clear legal frameworks for addressing possible contact events..
Image shows Dr Bleddyn Bowen, right, addressing the inquiry. Also pictured is James Black, deputy director of the Defence and Security research group at RAND Europe.
