Local Space Cluster Development Support Programme

This project has been funded by the UK Space Agency to support the development of a local space cluster in the West Midlands. 

The project will: 

  • Map the regional space activities in industry, academia and beyond 
  • Develop a vision for how the region could become a major player in space industry – identify the regional specialisms and networking opportunities 
  • Assess the opportunities for the regional supply chain to join these developments and hence the growth potential for the region  

Objectives

The research aims to support the development of an early stage local space cluster in the West Midlands. The project objectives are to deliver: 

  • A detailed understanding of its current space sector strengths, underpinning assets, market opportunities and local priorities 
  • A clear strategy and plan for how its space potential can be realised - including what support, guidance and investment is required 
  • Insight into how a West Midlands space cluster could participate in and contribute to a nationally linked network of Space clusters and hubs to benefit the whole of the UK.

Funder/client: UK Space Agency 
Timescale: October 2020 - March 2021

CONTACT

Chloe BillingProject lead: Chloe Billing
EmailC.A.Billing@bham.ac.uk


News

University of Birmingham one of seven 'space hubs' set for UK Space Agency funding
University of Birmingham, November 2020

Government funding secured for development of West Midlands space hub
Business Live, November 2020

West Midlands has lift off for new space hub
TheBusinessDesk.Com, November 2020

Lift off! Space hub to be set up in West Midlands
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, November 2020

Support for West Mids Space Hub
Insider Media, November 2020

Lift off! Space hub to be set up in West Midlands
Midlands Aerospace Alliance, November 2020

Blogs

Meeting the Skills Needs of the Space Sector
Professor Anne Green, City-REDI blog, 15 September 2021

How Can a Space Cluster Help the West Midlands to Diversify?
Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles, City-REDI blog, 7 September 2021

The Principles of Smart Specialisation and Space Cluster Development
Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles, City-REDI blog, 2 September 2021

How Can the Space Sector Drive Growth and Productivity in the West Midlands?
Professor Simon Collinson and Julia Goldsworthy, City-REDI blog, 11 August 2021

The West Midlands and Outer Space
Dr Chloe Billing, City-REDI blog, 24 November 2020

Contact details

Project Lead Contact Details:

Dr Chloe Billing

Project Support Contact Details:

Matt Patterson

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Lift off! Can we develop a Space Cluster in the West Midlands?