It has been described in varied evocative methods throughout fashionable tradition, reflecting its vastness and potential for discovery. However, because the industrialisation of area begins to grow to be a actuality, Scotland finds itself on the vanguard of a flourishing sector.
As a world chief within the manufacture of CubeSats (a category of small satellite tv for pc), backed by a wealthy historical past of know-how growth within the sector, Scotland is already main the way in which within the manufacturing of area {hardware} and functions.
The nation’s distinctive mixture of innovation, ambition and the best geography means it’s properly positioned to make the most of the sector’s industrial alternatives. From design, logistics and manufacturing to launch, monitoring and information evaluation, Scotland is at the moment the one nation in Europe with the flexibility to supply an end-to-end area service. And with the event of launch capabilities, it’s properly on its technique to being thought of a key participant.
Because the nation climbs increased on the worldwide area ladder, it’s primed to catch the attention of buyers, certainly it’s already doing so. However on this important trade, the place the cyber danger is excessive, buyers are more and more taking a look at ranges of cyber safety and resilience as a key issue of their decision-making course of.
So, within the race to be primary, it’s important we will create a safe and strong setting that’s interesting to abroad buyers and can assist drive the event of the sector.
For organisations concerned in any side of the flight and asset administration course of, cyber is a clearly outlined danger and regulatory controls are a big space of focus. However shifting additional alongside the provision chain into smaller, much less mature organisations, regulatory controls might be undefined and the deal with cyber safety unstructured.
Inconsistent cyber protocols throughout the sector can create weak hyperlinks within the provide chain. And, as we all know, the impression of a cyber incident wherever within the manufacturing line may have a probably large knock-on impact to the operation and fame of all the sector.
With Glasgow and Edinburgh shortly changing into often called leaders in small satellite tv for pc manufacturing and area information, there’s little debate that the nation is already punching above its weight. In actual fact, the latest funding awarded to Glasgow College to make the moon liveable is one other important indicator of the sector’s ambition. And not using a safe and resilient provide chain although, Scotland’s area sector can solely get thus far.
It’s a vicious circle. The sooner the sector develops and the extra disruptive applied sciences and priceless IP that’s created, the upper the danger of know-how theft. And, the underside line is, cash will go the place there’s development – however provided that it feels secure.
In such a extremely aggressive, data-driven trade, reliability and performance are key. We are able to’t afford launch failures, gear malfunctions, cyber breaches or some other occasions that might deny service. Only one such occasion may shortly put new buyers off.
To maximise the chance that stands earlier than us, we have to guarantee our potential exceeds that of our opponents. And whereas there’s no silver bullet answer, there are some measures companies can take to make Scotland a safe and resilient area hub.
Firstly, there should be a constant stage of regulatory management applied throughout the trade. By introducing a ‘sector finest apply’ normal, we will guarantee minimal ranges of cyber safety are adopted within the main and secondary sectors of area. Finally, this may permit the trade to scale back the inconsistency of cyber resilience and tackle any weak hyperlinks within the provide chain which may be engaging to hackers. Demonstrating sector-wide finest apply will assist Scotland improve its fame as a sturdy and secure location for area companies.
Moreover, whereas the significance of cyber resilience is extensively understood and Scotland has a profitable monitor file for safeguarding its sectors in opposition to cyber assaults, it will probably nonetheless be value and useful resource intensive. In smaller area organisations with a extremely expert workforce, the operational value might be excessive when useful resource should be allotted to implementing cyber safety actions.
Utilizing particular in-house experience can save the price of outsourcing. With a significant abilities scarcity affecting the entire tech sector, it’s essential that trade and academia work collectively to make sure core cyber abilities are being taught from college age. Growing elevated know-how abilities and a robust fundamental understanding of cyber throughout the workforce can guarantee Scotland is strong and agile for generations to return.
On the finish of the day, the worldwide area sector will proceed to advance quickly no matter whether or not the Scottish sector is ready to cope with these obstacles successfully. If the nation can’t tackle these challenges head on, then we shouldn’t be stunned if we’re left behind, and what a missed alternative that might be.
David Ferguson is head of information and cyber growth lead at ScotlandIS, a membership organisation advocating for and selling Scotland’s digital know-how ecosystem.
