The creation of the new Defence Universities Alliance could open valuable opportunities for West Yorkshire manufacturers to engage with the UK’s growing defence sector.
Bringing together 35 universities, the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces and industry, the Alliance aims to accelerate research into new defence technologies while developing the specialist skills and expertise the sector needs.
The University of Huddersfield is the only West Yorkshire university selected as a founding member. This creates an important opportunity for our region’s manufacturers to connect with emerging defence research, innovation and skills activity.
Defence opportunities are not limited to existing defence contractors. The sector draws upon a wide range of industrial capabilities, including:
- Advanced and precision manufacturing
- Engineering design and product development
- Materials and specialist processes
- Robotics, automation and artificial intelligence
- Digital technology and cyber security
- Electronics and control systems
- Testing, maintenance and technical services
CKMA wants to identify members interested in learning more, contributing relevant expertise or exploring future opportunities arising from the Alliance. Although the programme is still developing, registering your interest now will help ensure our local manufacturing capabilities are visible as its industry engagement takes shape.
If your business would like to participate in this emerging opportunity, please contact CKMA through our website and briefly describe the capabilities or expertise you could contribute.
You can also read the Ministry of Defence announcement for further information about the Defence Universities Alliance.