Whitehall’s new tech department must drive digital innovation across the UK

Following today’s (7/2/23) announcement of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s reorganisation of Whitehall departments, the UK Tech Cluster Group welcomes the creation of the new Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.

Led by Michelle Donelan, Government plans for the new technology department to ‘drive the innovation that will deliver improved public services, create new and better-paid jobs and grow the economy.’

The UK Tech Cluster Group works to support tech businesses and our regional digital ecosystems to thrive. Directly supporting over 6,000 businesses per year with a monthly digital reach of 1.5million impressions, we operate at the local grassroots and in partnerships nationally to deliver for more start-up and scale up businesses; drive the tech skills agenda; enable digital adoption and harness innovation through technology.

We look forward to connecting with the Department over the coming weeks, building on our strong relationship with BEIS and DCMS in pursuit of tech excellence and a digital economy in which the whole of the UK can share.

Katie Gallagher, Chair of the UK Tech Cluster Group, said:

“It is welcome news that the government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the tech sector at this critical juncture. Research in 2021 found that the digital sector employs around 1.66 million people: accounting for 4.9% of all jobs. It also contributed £148 billion to the economy – amounting to 7.6% of the UK total.’’

‘’As Managing Director of Manchester Digital, and in working with industry and Government on the Digital Skills Council, I see the critical importance of keeping momentum and ensuring businesses can start, grow, and innovate through technology, while more people are supported to build digital careers’’.

“Ministers across government – including the Secretary of State and Chancellor in their recent Bloomberg speeches – have been clear as to the importance of digital tech to growing the economy. We look forward to continuing to work with them to help deliver on this agenda by building on success and unlocking potential in all parts of the UK’’