UK Tech Cluster Group calls for digital innovation policies to benefit all UK regions
Report launched with four big ideas to unlock potential across the country
Report sets out the ways in which development of the tech industry can support social mobility and economic growth.
The UK Tech Cluster Group (UKTCG) which connects tech organisations from every region and nation of the UK, has launched a report outlining how the next Government can harness the potential of the country's tech ecosystems to support businesses and people right across the UK.
Launched at a Parliamentary reception on January 9, hosted by Alex Davies-Jones MP, Chair of Labour Digital, the in-depth report sets out four ways in which development of the tech industry can support social mobility and economic growth.
Katie Gallagher, OBE, chair of the UKTCG and managing director of Manchester Digital, said: "In launching the report and our ‘Four Big Ideas', we're calling for Government to harness the huge potential of technology and the tech industry to unlock the potential in every region of the UK.
"Across the UK, we have numerous strong and individual tech ecosystems. By creating a digital and innovation policy which supports business and individuals in each region, we can support true social mobility and see real opportunity for businesses to grow alongside the fast-moving innovation within tech.
"In setting out ‘Four Big Ideas' for the next government, we are ready to help ensure new technologies unlock the potential of every business, every person, and every place. If we want our sector and our local communities to go far, then we need to go together."
The four areas are:
- A globally competitive tech talent pipeline in every region: ensuring the economy delivers opportunity for all and drives social mobility by unlocking tech talent.
- Driving digital innovation at the foundations: ensuring every business can understand and benefit from the opportunities which tech brings.
- A UK Innovation Policy which gives every place a chance: by embedding digital tech at the heart of regional development strategies and incentivising collaboration.
- Mobilising ecosystems to help businesses to start and grow: by recognising that ‘place' matters, and tech communities can underpin the success of devolution.
Devolving power and opportunity
The timing of the report is crucial. A general election will take place this year. Policy details are being fleshed out and manifestos built on all sides. The launch of the report was attended by government and shadow ministers, both keen to demonstrate their support for UK Tech and innovation. Labour's approach in particular has set out, via speeches and policy forums, the importance of devolving power away from Westminster and into the hand of local communities and grassroots organisations. Gallagher continued:
"We see this moment as a start of a conversation about how good practice from the grassroots can inform better delivery through a new partnership with Whitehall. We need to learn the lessons from the last decade of centralised tech policy and delivery through departmental silos, which has left so much potential untapped. As grassroots tech leaders, we look forward to working with Parliamentarians to put our plans into action."
Alex Davies-Jones said: "Ensuring all people and businesses across the UK can participate in and benefit from a growing digital economy is vital to our shared success.
"This report from the UK Tech Cluster Group outlines four crucial ways in which Whitehall, local leadership and industry can better work together to help every place to reach their potential.
"New technologies can support and grow businesses in all corners of our country and offer opportunities for exciting new careers in every community. But we need to work together to ensure national policy encourages local innovation. I welcome this report at a crucial juncture for our economy."
Speaking at the launch event, Saqib Bhatti MP, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy outlined how the priorities set out by UKTCG align with stated government ambitions, committing to working with industry and supporting new jobs across the regions and devolved nations.
Bhatti took the opportunity to remind the audience of UKTCG members and other representatives from national and regional tech and innovation groups of some of the measures that government has taken to support and strengthen regional tech ecosystems such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Digital Skills Partnership, and £12 million Digital Growth Grant .
Bhatti also raised the Mansion House reforms which the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt hopes will channel greater levels of pension capital into the science and tech sector, and the extension of enterprise investment and other VCT schemes, all of which provide tax relief for investors in companies seeking to scale.
Matt Rodda MP, Shadow Minister for AI and Intellectual Property expressed his ambition for the tech fuelled growth seen in the Thames Valley (Rodda's constituency is Reading East which is home to giants such as Microsoft and Oracle, multiple telecoms providers, numerous mid-tier tech businesses, a high number of start-ups and numerous distributors, resellers and MSPs) to be replicated around the country.
Rodda also raised the importance of increasing the proportion of women and people from minority backgrounds into tech, and the potential of AI to generate much needed economic growth and supporting the modernisation of key public services.
The full report can be downloaded here.