Knowledge
Transfer Zones

Exploring how AI, autonomous systems, and advanced materials are transforming capability development — and what industry needs to do to accelerate that journey. Anchored by GCAP (£8bn+, 4,500+ UK jobs), the £5bn+ drone and autonomy transformation, and the Digital Targeting Web.

The pipeline of opportunity for construction, engineering, FM, and built environment specialists — covering estate decarbonisation, energy resilience, and digital infrastructure. Anchored by Project Royal Oak (£26bn naval) and the wider £63bn+ nuclear and submarine programme.

A brand new zone reflecting the growing convergence between defence procurement and CNI investment — spanning energy, communications, space, and transport. Backed by £790m for homeland and overseas base protection and £115m on AI safety and biosecurity resilience.

Bridging the gap between defence investment and supply chain opportunity — with a sharp focus on SMEs and mid-tier businesses seeking to reach the market. Anchored by £11bn on munitions and weapons stockpiles, including six new energetics factories by 2030.

Acquisition reform, new contracting models, and outcome-based frameworks — the practical intelligence commercial teams need to stay ahead of change. Backed by £900m for procurement reform, including a £500m Transformation Fund for AI and workforce productivity.

Sovereign capability, workforce development, and aligning with the UK’s long-term industrial strategy — what growth and resilience mean in practice. Framed by defence spend rising from £54bn to almost £80bn a year by 2029, forecast to support nearly 60,000 extra UK jobs.

Export pathways, bilateral partnerships, and the practicalities of working in international markets — as European defence investment rises and allied nations seek capable UK partners. Anchored by a new £50bn UK Export Finance defence facility and the GCAP trilateral programme with Japan and Italy.