Event Programme

Overview:
A scene setting introduction positioning Scotland at the heart of UK defence strategy. The chair will outline key themes — capability, resilience, competitiveness, sovereignty, SME growth and skills — and explain how SDR25 and DIS25 shape Scotland’s future role in defence and dual use innovation. Delegates gain a clear framework for the discussions ahead.

Overview:
This keynote sets out Scotland’s vital contribution to national security across naval platforms, submarine support, radar/EW, space capability and emerging digital domains. The speaker will outline procurement priorities, upcoming opportunities and how SMEs can align with MOD expectations under DIS25.

Overview:
This keynote will outline the MOD's new Defence Growth Deals as part of a £250 million investment to boost regional economies, improve infrastructure, and support SMEs. The session will discuss the new, locally driven partnerships designed to foster collaboration between industry, academia, and government to accelerate innovation.

A short address from ADS Scotland, official event partner to the DPRTE Scottish Defence Procurement & Supply Chain Summit.

Overview:
A strategic panel exploring defence’s economic impact across Scotland, including major maritime and sensor programmes, the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, and Scotland’s advanced R\&D strengths. Focus areas include SME participation, supply chain localisation, exports and regional economic development. Includes recommendation to feature SLAED / Local Authority Chief Executives.

Overview:
Prime contractors outline how SMEs can successfully enter their supply chains. Topics include onboarding pathways, accreditation requirements, security and quality standards, and real world examples of SMEs winning work on major platforms. Essential guidance for supplier readiness.

Overview:
Early and persistent engineering focused education is a critical component in addressing the current skills shortage in sectors like shipbuilding, aerospace and digital systems. Primary Engineer champions a holistic approach to skills development, embedding engineering and technical learning from the earliest educational phases. This approach, linked to industry is vital in building the workforce that will later contribute to the specialist technical training, apprenticeships and graduate pathways that underpin capability and resilience across the defence sector and for engineering more broadly.

Overview:
A practical session providing SMEs with actionable steps to navigate defence procurement routes. Covers the Defence SME Hub, MOD frameworks, funding pathways, enterprise support, and success stories such as Ferguson Marine’s integration into major programmes.

Overview:
A technical and commercial briefing on Type 26, covering procurement timelines, supplier standards, and upcoming capability needs. Includes case studies of Scottish suppliers who have successfully onboarded. Valuable insight for any company seeking to enter or expand within naval programmes.

Overview:
A forward looking discussion on Scotland’s rapidly expanding digital and space sectors. Topics include dual use applications of space tech, cyber security capabilities, AI/ML, data exploitation, high performance computing and autonomy. Designed to help SMEs understand how to adapt and position their technologies for multi domain defence requirements.

Overview:
A concise summary of the day's insights, commitments and opportunities. Delegates leave with a clear understanding of next steps for engagement with primes, MOD, Scottish Enterprise, innovation bodies and regional development partners.