Strategic Advantage in Space – UK and Sweden working together

The British Embassy in Stockholm is hosting a space-themed event on 14 November 2024, spanning the commercial, civil and national security space sectors, which will bring together government, industry and academia from the UK and Sweden to explore collaboration on how to keep strategic advantage in space.

Participants will engage in discussions framed by Sweden’s recent accession to NATO, enhancing the focus on resilience across space capabilities. The event will promote national space strategies and capabilities of both countries, with a view to establishing robust and resilient partnerships that drive economic, scientific and security synergies and benefits.

It will feature a mixed delegation of government bodies including Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), UK Space Agency, Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Ministry of Defence (MoD), and academic participation. The event is in collaboration with the Swedish Defence and Security Industry (SOFF) promoting B2B partnerships.

Confirmed UK speakers:

• Prof. Anu Ojha OBE, Director, UK Space Agency
• Dr Simon Jackman, Senior Innovation Fellow, University of Oxford
• Mr Jason Gnaneswaran, SRO SKYNET 6, UK Strategic Command
• Mr Daniel Askew, NATO Satcom
• Matthew Austin, International Policy & National Security Manager, Space Directorate (DSIT)
• Representatives from UK Academia
• UK Space Industry

Confirmed Swedish speakers:

• Anna Rathsman, Director-General at the Swedish Space Agency
• Nicklas Vabi, Space Lawyer at the Swedish Space Agency
• Representatives from the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Civil Contingency Agency and The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the Swedish Defence Research Agency
• Representatives from Swedish Academia
• Swedish Space Industry

Programme topics include:

• Defence, security and resilience cooperation for strategic advantage
• R&D/S&T for strategic advantage; highlighting the importance of research and technological innovation in maintaining strategic superiority.
• Policy and regulation for strategic advantage
• Industry capability for strategic advantage; Emphasising the role of the space industry in strengthening national resilience and ensuring strategic advantage through the development and use of space technology.
• Economic security in space; Addressing the growing importance of space to economic security, focusing on ensuring the protection of commercial space assets and expanding economic prosperity of both countries.

For industry:

In addition, on 13 November 2024, there will be a B2B speed-dating opportunity, where Swedish and UK industry representatives can engage in targeted meetings. This will provide a valuable chance for businesses to connect, explore partnerships and discuss opportunities for collaboration in the space sector. The aim is to foster industry ties between both countries.

If you are interested in attending email Carina Dios Falk, Senior Trade and Investment Advisor at the Embassy via Carina.DiosFalk@fcdo.gov.uk.