UK Government urged to do more to support country’s technology sector

Silicon Fen in Cambridge

The technology sector trade association techUK has published a new report urging politicians and policy makers to acknowledge the UK’s role in the global technology market, create the conditions in which it can thrive and  oversee the roll-out of new digital services across the public sector and beyond. The body, which has more than 850 members employing 500,000, claims that Securing our Digital Future: the techUK manifesto for growth and jobs 2015-2020 offers a blueprint for jobs growth in the tech sector and the chance for the UK to establish a reputation as a world leader in the global digital revolution. The report coincides with the announcement that the UK Government has commissioned a report to explore how Britain can lead the development of the sharing economy based on the success of firms such as Airbnb and Zipcar. Ahead of next year’s General Election, the techUK report calls on the next government to use technology to improve the quality and accessibility of public services, increase productivity and secure a million new jobs.

Speaking at the launch of the report in London, Julian David, CEO of techUK said: “Tech and digital have a fundamental role to play in almost everything the next government will need to do, as we continue to rebuild our economy for the 21st century. That’s why today techUK is launching its manifesto as a roadmap to 2020. The key message for politicians is that voters and industry alike want the Government to secure our digital future.”

Meanwhile, Matthew Hancock MP, the Minister for Business and Enterprise announced at this week’s Conservative Party conference that the Government has commissioned a report into the sharing economy with the aim to turn the UK into a “global centre”.

Hancock claims that by 2025 the sharing economy could achieve 50 percent market share in key appropriate sectors such as holidays and car sharing. He cites a recent report from PwC which claims that the worldwide sharing economy could be worth around £230 billion in ten years time, with a potential share for the UK of around £9 billion.