With just a year to go until the next UK general election, the next UK government will have fewer resources to compete in the global tech race, TechUK industry group recently warned.
That said, the country has a solid foundation to build on. The technology sector’s contribution to the UK economy is now over £150bn a year, making it Europe’s leading technology sector and, if given sufficient support, contributing around £200bn a year to the economy by the mid-2020s. Pounds can be reached.
TechUK needs a long-term and ambitious technology strategy now to meet future challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum races, the need to develop greener tech sectors and the battle over semiconductors I believe it is.
On June 6th, the association released its UK Tech Plan, outlining 18 opportunities the UK must seize and five challenges facing the UK tech industry in the future.
SecurityScorecard’s Senior Government Director for Europe and APAC, Dan Morgan, welcomed the plan. “A comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy is essential for the UK to remain competitive in the global technology market. There is a growing need for a well-structured strategic plan.” Even more important. ”
Gary Cox, Technical Director for Western Europe at DNS security provider Infoblox, also praised TechUK’s work. Without improvement and progress, there is no innovation and no progress. Let’s be honest, the UK economy needs a boost now. Otherwise, you risk retreating from the world stage. ”
National database of cyber incidents
At least eight opportunities listed by TechUK involve cybersecurity measures. For example, Opportunity 2 – ‘Make the UK one of the most trusted, safe and secure places online’ – builds a national database of cyber incidents and develops a series of measures to improve safe and secure use of the Internet. We are proposing to start a pilot program for Data for research and development.
Morgan said the UK government could rely on its existing cyber risk assessment system to meet these goals.
“Such a system can objectively analyze a company’s cyber risk profile, helping identify vulnerabilities and guide remediation efforts. It is also important to ensure that there are no additional security vulnerabilities, and that defining what constitutes a good or bad score and what actions should be taken as a result , can be difficult,” he said. Information security.
Plexal CCO Saj Huq will deliver a keynote on the UK cyber ecosystem at Infosecurity Europe on Tuesday, June 20th. Register here.
Other proposals in TechUK’s plan include lobbying law enforcement to make better use of technology to combat fraud, cybercrime and online harm; modernizing the information systems of the NHS and social services; This includes efforts such as maintaining a leading role in fintech and AI and making this country a better one. A leader in quantum technology and one of the top semiconductor manufacturers, he ensures that proper cybersecurity measures are in place while at the same time.
The plan also outlines efforts to “close the digital skills gap” and accelerate the recruitment of cyber talent in the private sector and law enforcement.
A clearer regulatory approach
Morgan said the plan was a “promising start” towards a safer and more resilient digital future for the UK.
“However, careful consideration and planning are required to ensure that the strategy is effective, balanced and sustainable over the long term. important to ensure that it has the political backing and legal force it needs. [but] It’s also important that politicians work closely with technology industry experts to ensure that strategies reflect the latest technology developments and industry best practices,” he said.
TechUK Deputy CEO Antony Walker shared the same vision. At a press conference, he said the plan was developed in collaboration with large and small technology companies operating in the UK.
In the face of the growing complexity of the global digital economy, heightened geopolitical tensions, and burgeoning supply chain challenges such as semiconductor shortages and supply chain cyberattacks, he said, “The need to get technology policy right” is higher than ever before,” he added. And a question about regulation of AI.
Simon Newman, International Cyber Expo Advisory Board Member and CEO of the Cyber Resilience Center in London, said: “This is an excellent report by TechUK that drives innovation, upskills and “SMEs need to capitalize on the benefits of the increasing digitalization. These opportunities are not without challenges, but It shows what can be achieved by driving innovation in the UK’s growing technology sector.”
One area where the plan seems to contradict the current government’s approach is regulation. Feedback from TechUK’s nearly 1,000 members says there has been a lot of confusion in the industry about the UK’s strategy to regulate tech areas such as AI and cybersecurity.
“Regulatory burdens and business costs continue to rise, despite warm words from governments to take a light touch and innovation-promoting approach to regulation.” A confusing approach has resulted, in some cases, resulting in the UK becoming an expensive and cumbersome market,” the plan reads.
AI ethics, security regulations, how to close the cyber skills gap and keep critical national infrastructure safe will be among the biggest topics at Infosecurity Europe June 20-22 in London. Register here.
