New government office to deliver regulatory reform in tech sector

The UK Government has opened a new office to streamline regulation in the technology sector, which “could unleash billions of pounds” for the economy, experts claim.

The new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) will “curb the burden of red tape” by updating legislation, speeding up approvals, and ensuring different regulatory bodies work smoothly together, the government said.

It is hoped the new agency will help businesses commercialise new products and services, placing the UK at the forefront of next-generation technology.

Technology secretary Peter Kyle, said: “The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office, a key manifesto commitment, is a big step forward in bringing the UK’s most promising new technologies to the public faster and safely while kickstarting economic growth. 

“By speeding up approvals, providing regulatory certainty and reducing unnecessary delays, we’re curbing the burden of red tape so businesses and our public services can innovate and grow, which means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a better quality of life for people across the UK.”

Initially the office will focus on supporting four sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health care as well as space.

It is hoped, the new institution will help the healthcare sector safely deploy AI, which research shows could help fix the crisis in the NHS by cutting waiting times and detecting illnesses earlier.

Meanwhile, within the space, the government argues regulatory reform will help foster competition and sustain the growth of sector.

Other industries involved are engineering biology, which holds the power to transform food production by delivering pest resistant crops, and connected and autonomous technology, where the government is keen to further explore its potential to connect remote areas to essential services.

Kyle continued: “From breakthroughs that could help doctors diagnose illnesses earlier to satellite navigation for more accurate weather forecasting and getting emergency supplies to where they are needed, quickly and effectively, RIO will make sure UK companies are at the forefront of the next generation of technologies.”

The government is now looking for candidates to chair the organisation.

Neil Ross, associate director of policy at techUK, added: “The UK is home to amazing array of innovation, however, historically we have been slow to deploy new technologies at pace and at scale.

“TechUK and our members are supportive of the aims of the RIO, which intends to address this historic problem. By smoothing the path to deployment of new technologies, the RIO can open the door to significant applications both in the commercial sphere and for public services.

“If we get this right this could unleash billions of pounds of additional investment. This will require the RIO, and its chair, to work closely with the private sector to identify the most promising opportunities, move quickly to deliver tangible results, and seek new opportunities on a rolling basis.”

The UK Government has also outlined how it will approach quantum regulation, in its response to the recommendations made by the Regulatory Horizons Council.

In the report, it outlines how it will foster an innovation-friendly regulatory approach to support the development of quantum technology applications.

The office launch comes a week before the UK hosts the International Investment Summit in London, where chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to tell international partners the UK is “open for business”.