Leaders from Scotland and Ireland’s space industries gathered at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology & Innovation Centre on February 27 to explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The ‘Growing the Space Economy’ event at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology & Innovation Centre on February 27 featured keynote speeches from MSP Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Jerry O’Donovan, the Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, and Leader of Glasgow City Council, Susan Aitken
The conference addressed findings from the Ireland-Scotland Joint Bilateral Review, designed to shape future collaboration between the two nations on shared objectives, including the support of structured research collaboration to harness expertise and enhance existing research and innovation networks.
Attendees also saw real-world applications of space technology, including the University of Strathclyde’s ‘Safe Passage’ project, which uses space data to create tidal images that help guide lifeboats through the shifting sands of the Solway Firth estuary.
Partnership agreement
A significant milestone at the event was the signing of a partnership agreement between the University of Strathclyde and University College Dublin (UCD) to support collaboration in space-related research and activities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Professor Stephen McArthur, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Engineering at Strathclyde, and UCD’s Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Impact, Professor Kate Robson Brown.
The partnership aims to use innovation to tackle global challenges such as achieving net zero emissions, as well as to drive economic growth and technological advancements in rural, coastal, and island communities.
Professor McArthur said: “Scotland is a prime example of how collaboration and partnership can grow a strong space industry and space research. At the University of Strathclyde, we take great pride in playing a key role in the growth of Scotland’s vibrant space sector, and we are honoured to support UCD in shaping Ireland’s sector in a similar way.
“Strengthening ties between Scottish and Irish institutions can only help foster innovation and expand research, furthering the potential of the sector to contribute to major global objectives. “
On signing the MoU, UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Professor Robson Brown said: “Scotland provides a great example of how to carve out niches in the space sector with vast economic and societal benefits. I am delighted to forge this partnership with the University of Strathclyde and strengthen our relationship with such a valued ally in the space industry and beyond, which will benefit our research, innovation and education programmes and help to build the talent pipelines to sustain current and future development in the sector.”
This conference followed the success of the inaugural event in Dublin in February 2024, and brought together delegates from academia, industry, and government.
Economic prosperity
Keynote speaker Angus Robertson said: “Collaboration is at the core of our success. Scotland and Ireland have so much to offer each other, and it is truly inspiring to see our partnership expand into new frontiers, particularly in space. By working together, we can develop solutions that drive economic prosperity, scientific discovery, and environmental sustainability – not just for our countries, but for the world.”
Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, Jerry O’Donovan said: “With the global space sector expected to reach $1 trillion in value by 2030, there are wonderful opportunities for Irish and Scottish companies and researchers to collaborate in the period ahead.
“The work done to date by the University of Strathclyde and UCD in terms of previous conferences and the MoU for additional collaboration will provide an important focal point for the space sectors in both countries.”
Professor Malcolm Macdonald, Chair of Applied Space Technology at the University of Strathclyde, has played a key role in developing Scotland’s space sector. He contributed to the launch of Scotland’s first spacecraft, UKube-1, in 2014, and has since helped position Glasgow as a global hub of space sector activity. He is also Visiting Professor at the Centre for Space Research (C-Space) at UCD, who launched Ireland’s first satellite, EIRSAT-1, in 2023, and Vice-Chair of the UK Space Agency’s Space Technology Advisory Committee and has helped shape UCD’s space activities.
Fast-growing
He said: “Space is vital to provide us with the knowledge we require about our Earth in support of the net zero transition, in supporting rural, island, and coastal communities, and so many other joint priorities of our two governments. This is why this event is so exciting, it builds on the momentum of both countries fast-growing space sectors to build collaborations that will make life better here on Earth.”