Ploughshare’s Technology and Growth (TAG) Alliance is gaining momentum less than a year after being announced, with at least three new defence technology spin-outs expected by the end of the year and three major organisations joining its growing membership. Babcock, Frazer-Nash Consultancy and UKRI have been welcomed to the Alliance today (25 August), bringing together 19 organisations working to take UK defence innovation into wider markets.
The TAG Alliance exists to maximise the impact from the billions of pounds that have been, and continue to be, invested in defence science and technology. The TAG Alliance ensures it reaches all its potential markets and delivers growth for the UK economy and regions. Since its inception, TAG has become a movement across government, industry, academia and investment and is already collaborating, sharing best practice and accelerating the transition of technologies into commercial applications.
The Technology and Growth Alliance shows how we’re turning defence innovation and investment into growth right across the UK.
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry
The Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, Prime Minister, said at the Farnborough Airshow on 21 July: “We are reindustrialising the nation, and we will do it working together with brilliant businesses to drive growth across the country.”
The national imperative, and mission of The TAG Alliance, is to turn that ambition into reality, at pace. By unlocking the commercial potential of UK defence invention, The TAG Alliance connects new applications, partners and markets resulting in more spin-outs, licensable products and new ventures across the UK and beyond.
Several new spin-out companies have been formed by members of the alliance already, including Rho-C by BAE Systems, which takes breakthrough ultrasound technology into demanding industrial environments and StirlingX by GALLOS, who have developed a sovereign intelligence platform that turns multi-sensor data into critical insight for infrastructure.
The TAG Alliance was convened by the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) trusted partner Ploughshare, and brings together nineteen organisations from across defence, government, industry, academia and investment. Its website, launched today, is www.tagalliance.co.uk.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said: “The Technology and Growth Alliance shows how we’re turning defence innovation and investment into growth right across the UK. This government is determined to unlock the full value of defence science and technology, delivering not just for our armed forces but for jobs and businesses in every region.
“With nineteen partners now on board and new spin-outs already emerging, this is exactly the kind of collaboration between government, industry and academia that will drive our reindustrialisation forward.”
Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director said: “Our supply chain’s creativity, agility and drive make it a powerful strategic asset. By uniting industry, government, academia and investors, the Technology and Growth Alliance is unlocking the dual-use potential of innovative IP and driving new energy into the supply chain. Through the Alliance, Ploughshare and the MOD are growing our defence innovation ecosystem to deliver sovereign capability, industrial advantage and UK-wide economic growth.”
The commercialisation and spread of defence innovation and technologies historically has lagged, holding back UK productivity, jobs and growth. The TAG Alliance is a welcome coalition of partners seeking to remedy this problem through cross-pollination of innovation within and beyond defence.
Andrew Haldane CBE, President, British Chambers of Commerce
Andrew Haldane CBE, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Innovation has always been a UK strength, and this is especially true in defence. However, the commercialisation and spread of defence innovation and technologies historically has lagged, holding back UK productivity, jobs and growth. The TAG Alliance is a welcome coalition of partners seeking to remedy this problem through cross-pollination of innovation within and beyond defence. At a time of subdued growth but increased R&D on defence, its timing could scarcely be better.”
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, Chair of The TAG Alliance and CEO of Ploughshare said: “The UK already produces world-class defence innovation. Our challenge is turning more of it into commercial success. By bringing together industry, government, academia and accelerating capabilities including investors, The TAG Alliance will help proven technologies reach new markets, attract investment, and create skilled jobs, delivering lasting economic and societal benefit, particularly across our regions where we see huge potential.”
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