This live streamed discussion is set to be the first in a series of virtual events aiming to increase awareness of the commercial opportunities that drone operations could provide.

It builds on the success of the ‘Commercialisation of the Drone Industry” White Paper submitted to Government in July this year. The Drone Delivery Group hopes to provoke discussion to highlight the challenges faced by industry in general, the drone industry in particular and the UK Government, as a means to speed up the development and benefits this emerging area of technology could provide to the UK economy.

It is aimed at anyone responsible for exploring the use of drones for their organisation.

Event precis

A wide range of industries are now actively seeking to include drone technology in their operations. Whether their motivations are efficiency, cost saving, increased safety or improved customer experience, the adoption of these technologies cannot come soon enough.

Yet, cutting through the overstated claims that we will see a more rapid uptake of drone technology in the wake of COVID-19, the reality is that many challenges still remain and the advantages have yet to be realised.

The fact is that existing commercial technology has largely evolved from hobbyists' needs, leaving much to be designed in fulfilling commercial requirements. Early adopters within industry are therefore stuck in a cycle of testing to find solutions that do meet commercial needs, while a gulf between testing and application is widening.

This virtual panel discussion with leading industry and government figures seeks to explore the reasons for this gap emerging. It will address the issues preventing organisations bridging the gap; covering everything from funding and technology to regulation and standards.

The event is being run by the not-for-profit, Drone Delivery Group, set-up as a vehicle for the drone industry to voice its views on the commercial drone industry to the Government. The aim of the event is to provide those responsible for considering drone use for their organisations with the information they need to bridge this gap and more quickly realise the benefits of drone technology.

Confirmed panel members:

Robert Garbett, Chairman of the Drone Delivery Group (chair)

Gordon Baker, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Dame Jacqueline Foster DBE, former Conservative MEP & Conservative Transport Spokesman specialising in Aviation & Aerospace, Vice President Sky & Space Parliamentary Intergroup

Bob Mansergh OBE, Unmanned Systems and Maritime Adviser to Boeing Defence UK Ltd.

Information for joining this event will be sent via email to those who register the day before the event.