Tech City CEO asks government to engage more with entrepreneurs

Speaking at the London Conference on Cyberspace, Eric Van der Kleij invited policy makers to learn from the UK's fastest-growing IT companies on technical issues

Eric Van der Kleij, CEO of London's Tech City, often referred to as the 'Silicon Roundabout', has invited policy makers to meet with entrepreneurs before implementing new laws relating to the internet.

Speaking to delegates at today's London Conference on Cyberspace, Van der Kleij also said he wanted to connect Tech City to other innovation centres around the world.

"The invitation is there for you as policy makers to come and talk to us at Tech City.

"We need to connect the success we have in this area to the other growth tech clusters around the world."

He added that when he asked companies in Silicon Roundabout about the sort of policy they would like to see implemented, they had two requests.

"Please talk to us and please don't mess up."

According to businesses in the area, which mostly comprise agile young internet-based services, some of which are enjoying a rate of growth comparable with the dotcom boom of the 1990s, the best way not to 'mess up' is to consult with them.

Van der Kleij said privacy and net neutrality are two topics that Tech City companies, which have grown from about 200 to around 400 in number in the past 12 months, are keen to discuss.

"On privacy issues I have direct submissions from [the companies] explaining how the implementation of privacy and cookies regulation could either significantly help or inhibit growth.

"And on net neutrality - these firms are coming up with services that we don't have reglations or policy for. They're not sure that we need regulation.

"So please come to Tech City to help with your thinking as you develop your policies."

Larger enterprises often fund lobbying groups to encourage government to develop policies that suit their business models.

While the firms of Silicon Roundabout may have neither the funds nor the political clout to do likewise, their strength may be in their ability to speak with one voice, through people like Van der Kleij.