Navigating the UK Defence Ecosystem

Navigating the UK Defence Ecosystem - today’s focus for the Solent Maritime Industries UK event.

Hosted by the BattleLab, in conjunction with Dstl, Chris Wardman and I joined many others to a great session of information dissemination and networking.

Unsurprisingly, some of it was very familiar territory, but the great thing is, today I still learnt something new and met new connections that will be of benefit to Copper Turtle. That's strategically what every SME should question when they attend an event, is it not?

BattleLab aside, the Dorset Innovation Park is growing and already has a strong marine focus. With existing residents such as Norco Composites & GRP, TKMS ATLAS UK (who sponsored today’s event) and QinetiQ, it is a prime space for business expansion and collaboration across the maritime sector.

Top takeaways from today’s event:

Dstl - top 10 priority technologies

UK Defence Innovation – demand and programme lead innovation, and getting a clear demand signal early on - 'the need'

UK Research and Innovation - Dual Use Technology Innovation Programme (DTIP) – competitions launching May!

Lots of mentions about the value of the RDSCs – I cannot disagree. If you are not a member of one, or more, JOIN!

Rapid fire innovation presentations from member organisations, including RS Aqua who incorporate equipment from our client ELWAVE onto their Alseamar Seaexplorer.

Great to meet Jody Andrews, Andrew Lane, Andy Scott, James McNaughton and Peter Walker.

The question I leave you with, is how does an SME assess the importance of ‘the need’, as to whether it is worthwhile your energy and investment? Feel free to share your views!