Calls for digital policies to ‘unlock potential of tech’
ATECH leader from the North East has called on the Government to implement a vision for his sector that he says could unlock its potential.
David Dunn, the CEO of regional tech sector support outfit Sunderland Software City, points to a report from the UK Tech Cluster Group that has called for a series of measures including ensuring a talent pipeline in each UK region and creating a UK innovation policy.
The group, of which Mr Dunn is a part, is made up of 14 organisations with knowledge of the various tech clusters around the country and its “Four Big Ideas” report says the past decade’s digital policy has suffered from top-down initiatives that have had “patchy engagement” with regional tech communities.
Its suggestions include Government investment into matching graduates of digital skills bootcamps and other initiatives to businesses; incentives for SMEs to take on tech talent; a transfer of Growth Hubs’ functions and funding to cluster organisations, and encouraging start-ups to grow outside of the ‘golden triangle’ in South East England, via R&D tax credit enhancements and a grant funding runway.
It also proposes the commissioning of an annual baseline report that can be used for shared UK-wide learning and national investment in leadership and management training for tech SMEs. The UK Tech Cluster Group has offered its expertise to national and local government to design the measures.
Following the report’s launch in parliament by Alex Davies-Jones MP, Shadow Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, Mr Dunn said: “We’re sharing ‘Four Big Ideas’ with government to allow the UK to unlock its tech potential across every region.
“If we can create a digital and innovation policy which truly enables businesses and individuals in each region to flourish, the UK’s tech prowess will catapult like never before.
“We are ready to help ensure new technologies unlock the potential of every business, every person, and every place. 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.”
New technologies can support and grow businesses in all corners of our country David Dunn