TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY

SPDG has always maintained a capability for in-house research and analysis in technology development, market placement and geopolitical risk assessment. In addition to providing risk management, technical evaluation and market assessment for all technologies – current and future - in the SPDG pipeline, the research and analysis capability is a profit centre in its own right.

There are three dedicated and experienced researchers employed and there are three separate strands to this business:

Geopolitical Risk Analysis and Defence Offset Advice
SPDG is retained by companies in the US and UK to provide risk analysis and offset advice.

Defence Offset - Technical and Market Research
SPDG is tasked by a defence contractor with the provision of suitable technologies to meet offset obligations incurred in key client countries. SPDG uses this opportunity to offer its portfolio of new technologies as offset projects thus obtaining privileged access into valuable markets.

Technology Evaluation and Market Research
The Korean Government has established a quasi-governmental organisation for the development of new technologies and the growth of technology-based SMEs. The organisation, known as the Korean Technology Transfer Centre (“KTTC”) employs some 70 specialists with an annual budget of $10b. It has, in recent years, established regional hubs known as Overseas Technology Transfer Centres (“OTTC”s) in Russia, China, Japan and Malaysia, to act as two-way conduits for the interchange of technology and commercial opportunities.

The KTTC is now looking to set in place a mechanism to introduce a number of its SMEs on to the AIM and PLUS markets on an annual basis. SPDG has been invited to apply to be appointed OTTC for the UK, the EU and the Middle East, to provide technical assessment and market research for incoming technologies and SMEs. As the only applicant, the appointment should be announced early October and come into force soon thereafter.