OpenWorks will further support the North East’s contribution to UK defence and security with its appointment to the Steering Committee of a growing and influential regional cluster. The North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster brings together defence organisations, industry and academia to align supply chain capability with operational need.
In this role, OpenWorks will contribute strategic oversight, governance, and high-level guidance to help drive the cluster’s long-term impact and delivery.
2026 represents a critical year for the cluster in securing MOD funding to accelerate regional capability development alongside identifying and scaling dual-use technologies for defence applications.
Strengthening the Steering Committee with experienced defence-focused organisations from across the North East enhances the cluster’s ability to encourage cross-sector engagement in support of harnessing the region’s expansive technology networks for the benefit of defending the UK, NATO and its allies.
“The North East has a storied legacy of defence and security innovation, and there’s a great deal of knowledge, pride and connectivity throughout the supply chain. Collectively and individually, organisations in our region offer powerful tier 1, 2 and 3 capabilities that ultimately support end-users as they face ever evolving threats and increasingly challenging operational environments. As a representative of OpenWorks Engineering, I’m proud to join the North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster Steering Group in support of those organisations at such a critical time.”
Nicola Irving, Head of Strategic Marketing and Communications and member of the NERDSC Steering Group.
