Could firms export government-funded technology?

Would the British government allow firms to sell technology developed with public naval funding abroad?

Probably under conditions: Britain could keep first refusal, protect especially sensitive systems, and claim a share of export profits rather than impose a blanket ban.

Modern secrecy assumptions do not apply uniformly to Edwardian procurement. Communications technology might receive tighter protection, while a large gun could remain an export product after the Royal Navy secured priority access. A funding agreement could give the government first refusal or a share of revenue from foreign sales. Such terms would let public investment support British industry without surrendering every commercial opportunity. Admiralty funding could therefore coexist with the international arms market described earlier.