Scotland's ambition to become a leading space nation has taken a
step forward.
Space sector entrepreneur Daniel takes up the newest position in the
Scottish Government's international business network.
Mr will help identify new business and
investment opportunities.
Announcing the appointment at Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow – the
first to be held in Scotland – Business Minister said:
“The creation of the Space Envoy role is another indication of
how quickly the sector is growing and of how importantly the
Scottish Government regards its contribution to the economy.
“The Scottish Government has an ambition to capture £4 billion of
the global space market and Daniel Smith's entrepreneurial
background will help Scottish businesses forge strategic
partnerships and identify new opportunities.
“We are well on our way to becoming a European leader in the
sector. The latest available data shows that the number of
space-related companies based in Scotland rose by 25% in the
space of a year, with the sector's total income increasing by 65%
over the same period - demonstrating the phenomenal scale of
opportunity before us.”
Mr said:
"It's a pivotal time for Scotland's fast-growing space sector.
Our thriving commercial space sector - actively supported by
government agencies and academia - is delivering exciting and new
business and career opportunities.
“One particular area for future growth is through international
partnerships that enable local companies to operate on the global
stage while attracting inward investment to
enhance Scotland's space sector and to enhance economic
growth.
"I'm excited to help connect Scotland's commercial space players
with business opportunities overseas. With Europe-leading
technology, Scotland has the technical competence, as well as a
sustainable strategic vision, to play an expanding role in the
global space economy."
Background
Daniel Smith's role is unpaid. His appointment is for a tenure of
two years (until 31 December 2026), with the possibility of
extension for a further two years.
Mr is a serial space entrepreneur who
has played a founding role in five space companies since 2017,
including the global space communications firm AstroAgency which
supports 70 private and public space organisations, a spaceport
design company enabling spaceflight from emerging space nations
and a European launch vehicle firm based in Scotland.
Space-Comm is the UK's largest space industry event bringing
together international governments, SMEs and businesses operating
within the space sector.
Find out more about the Trade and Investment Envoy
network here.
Notes to editors
A copy of the Minister's keynote speech from the Space-Comms Expo
will be checked against delivery and published as soon as
practicable on the Scottish Government website on the morning of
Wednesday 11th September. Publications - gov.scot
(www.gov.scot)
