The UK space industry had a turnover of £11.8bn in 2012/13.1 By 2030, the UK Government and industry want this to grow to £40bn. In December 2015 the Government published the UK’s first National Space Policy, which sets out its vision for achieving growth. This POSTnote describes the UK space industry and potential barriers to growth.
UK Commercial Space Activities (441 KB , PDF)
Forty years ago government was the main customer of the UK space industry. Today, the space industry provides commercial services to a vast range of sectors. Almost all television content passes through a satellite at least once before it reaches the home and the use of satellite navigation in transport is ubiquitous. In 2012/13 the space industry contributed £5.1bn to GDP (comparable to the rail transport sector) and grew by 4.1% (annual growth has averaged over 8% since 1999/2000).
Along with spacescience activities, the space industry plays a key role in inspiring young people to take up scientific careers.In recent years, government and industry have taken steps to promote the UK space industry. The Space Innovation and Growth Strategy (IGS), was first published in 2010 and updated in 2015. A key achievement of the IGS has been the setting up of the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to oversee all UK civil (non-military) space activities, as well as a network of bodies to promote growth. This note describes:
UK Commercial Space Activities (441 KB , PDF)
Buildings contribute a significant proportion of the UK’s carbon emissions and play a key role in achieving net zero emissions targets. This POSTbrief explores the emissions associated with buildings, from design to end of life, and presents an overview of the opportunities for reducing their carbon impact.
England is at a historical crossroad for the governance of land and the natural environment. Actions for addressing and adapting to climate change, achieving food security and tackling the biodiversity crisis are all embedded in and depend on how land is managed. Existing Government policy and targets have so far failed to address many of these complexities of land, farming and the natural environment.
"Smart cities" describes places that incorporate a range of technologies (especially those that collect and use data) to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. Projects usually take place in urban areas, but are also deployed in rural settings. This POSTnote looks at smart city innovation in the UK and the technologies involved. It considers the factors driving the adoption of smart city technologies, and the potential benefits, barriers and risks associated with their implementation.
