§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many defence technology centres will be created; what the cost will be; and if he will make a statement on their use in securing more(a) foreign and (b) domestic contracts. [72913]
§ Dr. MoonieThe expectation is of six centres being launched, in two tranches of three each, with the Ministry of Defence funding of up to £5 million per cent[...]re per year. The supplier consortia are also expected to contribute funding. This investment will result in centres of expertise, focused in industry and academia, in technologies of importance to Defence. MOD will ensure that the centres' outputs can be transitioned effectively into equipment programmes for the United Kingdom Armed Forces. Beyond that, the consortia will own the intellectual property and be encouraged to exploit it in wider markets.