2 minute read - 18th July 2023
Aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £3.2bn to Scottish economy in 2022
Scotland’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £3.2bn to the Scottish economy last year, according to figures released by ADS Group. The 2023 Scotland Facts & Figures published by the trade association further reveals that businesses in Scotland generated £7.3bn in turnover, as well as directly employing 33,500 people.
The data further highlights the employment of 1,500 apprentices in Scotland, part of the wider 20,200 apprentices in the four sectors’ total UK workforce of 417,000. With £95,000 output per worker, sector productivity in Scotland is 47% higher than the economy average, delivering strategic advantage to Scotland and the UK.
It follows the ADS announcement in May that revealed the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors across the whole of the UK delivered £37bn of value added to the economy in 2022. The figures also show that businesses delivering world-class products and services generated £82bn in turnover, with UK exports from the sectors worth £36bn.
Scotland’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors added £3.2bn to the Scottish economy last year / Picture: Getty/iStock
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack MP, said: “It’s clear that Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make an enormous contribution to the UK’s defence, security, aerospace and space sectors. The UK Government is committed to growing our economy, including by working with these industries to support their success in the UK and in exporting overseas. Defence plays a crucial part in the security of the United Kingdom and also contributes significantly to delivering high-skilled jobs and investment in Scotland.”
Warrick Malcolm, ADS Scotland director, added: “Innovative Scottish businesses are major employers, and our 2023 Scotland Facts & Figures provides a snapshot of their contribution to the wider UK economy. ADS members in Scotland are recognised internationally for their contribution to the global sectors ADS represents. In the coming years, it is essential Scotland’s growth continues, securing the UK’s world-leading position in rapidly advancing sectors, such as space.”