The MOD recognises the contribution of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The White Paper “National Security Through Technology: Technology, Equipment, and Support for UK Defence and Security (Cm 8278)” describes how SMEs are a vital source of innovation and flexibility in meeting defence and security requirements.
The White Paper takes into account responses received from the consultation Green Paper on Equipment, Support, and Technology for UK Defence and Security that was published in December 2010. The consultation process identified the potential for improvements in three main areas: changes to government processes, particularly within MOD; the way MOD manages its direct relationships with SMEs; and SMEs’ relationships with prime contractors. Our plans for improvements in each of these three areas may be found in Chapter 5 of the White Paper.
Our 2011/12 Departmental Action Plan is attached together with a dozen case study examples of successful SME engagements with the MOD.