The second annual UK-Switzerland Space Exchange Roundtable brought together over 30 high-level experts from the space sector. In this first part, held on 8 October, senior representatives from both national space agencies discussed a range of topics with industry leaders, investors and academics: How can international collaboration help to attract investment and to create a skilled workforce? What is the role of space in strengthening the security of our nations? And what could the future of space innovation looklike?

For the first time, the annual Roundtable Exchange was complemented by a more extensive evening event on the following day. The first Space Security Symposium at the Swiss Embassy on 9 October included a fireside chat with the 695th Lord Mayor of London, Michael Mainelli, keynote speeches by representatives of the British and Swiss armed forces, and a panel discussion with leading companies such as Thales Alenia Space and Viasat Commercial Networks Europe. Key topics included the future of telecommunications and quantum technologies, the impact of space on society, and the opportunities for sustainable space activities.

Special thanks go to Ambassador Markus Leitner, under whose patronage the events were made possible, and to our moderators, Seumas Kerr CBE and the Rt Hon James Arbuthnot. For further information, please contact the Swiss Business Hub UK at london.sbhuk@eda.admin.ch. The Swiss Business Hub UK provides localised support, market information, consulting and networking services to Swiss companies venturing into the UK market. In addition, the Swiss Business Hub also actively promotes Switzerland as a highly attractive business and investment location for UK companies looking for growth opportunities in Switzerland and in continental Europe.