Westminster eForum

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference focuses on the next steps for the UK digital payments sector.

The discussion takes place in the context of a range of developments, including the Treasury’s Payments Landscape Review and the Payment Service Regulator’s reviews into consumer safety.

We are very pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from: Tony Craddock, Director General, Emerging Payments Association; Natalie Ceeney, Chair, Access to Cash Review and Chair, Innovate Finance; Genevieve Marjoribanks, Head of Policy, Payment Systems Regulator; Jon Maskery, Partner, PwC; and Christina Segal-Knowles, Executive Director, Financial Market Infrastructure, Bank of England.

Sessions in the agenda look at:

• the evolving landscape for digital payments - innovation, adoption, and market dynamics
• the future of cash - access (including via cashback following the Financial Services Act), financial inclusion, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
• consumer priorities and market dynamics - competition and choice, and priorities for ensuring security and inclusivity
• the future for regulation
• driving innovation - and the implications of changes taking place in domestic and international markets
• supporting a vibrant payments sector - and the regulatory and delivery challenges for the UK's New Payments Architecture (NPA)

The agenda

• The evolving landscape for digital payments - innovation, adoption, and market dynamics
• The future of cash - access, financial inclusion, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
• ‘The future of payments and moving towards a cashless society’
• Consumer priorities and market dynamics - competition and choice, and priorities for ensuring security and inclusivity
• Regulatory priorities for the UK payment sector
• Driving innovation in the payment industry, and the implications of changes taking place in domestic and international markets
• Supporting a vibrant payments sector, and regulatory and delivery issues for the UK's New Payments Architecture (NPA)

Key areas for discussion:

Key issues:

• the evolving landscape for digital payments:
  
  • the impact of developments in regulation and standards on competition, and wider market dynamics in the sector
  • keynote session with: Jon Maskery, Partner, PwC
• regulatory priorities for the UK payment sector:
  
  • keynote session with: Genevieve Marjoribanks, Head of Policy, Payment Systems Regulator
• innovation in the payment industry:
  
  • implications of changes taking place in domestic and international markets
  • keynote session with: Tony Craddock, Director General, Emerging Payments Association

The future of cash:

• COVID-19 - the impact of the pandemic on consumer attitudes to cash and digital payment services, with many services and retailers moving to digital payments only
• increasing the contactless payment limit - the impact of the rise announced in Budget 2021 following an FCA review
• at a local level - the role of high street banks and community hubs, such as Post Offices, in supporting access to cash going forward, especially in rural and more remote areas
• policy - potential impact of Government plans for:
  
  • making the FCA responsible for ensuring the cash system benefits consumers and SMEs
  • extending access to cashback – following an amendment in the Financial Services Act - which aims to enable access to cash by allowing businesses to provide cashback without purchase 
• keynote sessions:
  
  • Christina Segal-Knowles, Executive Director, Financial Market Infrastructure, Bank of England
  • Natalie Ceeney, Chair, Access to Cash Review and Chair, Innovate Finance

Key issues for innovation, security and inclusivity:

• Stronger Customer Authentication (SCA) - impact on consumer experience and the security of online payments of implementation, as part of the Payment Services Directive (PSD 2) in the UK
• consumer experience:
  
  • whether more needs to be done to improve security, choice and inclusivity for consumers
  • priorities for reviews being conducted by the PSR, aimed at protecting consumers who use payment services
• the Payments Landscape Review:
  
  • priorities for taking it forward following the recent call for evidence
  • what more can be done to support the sector to respond to developments in technology and consumer behaviour, and to foster innovation
• promoting competition - discussing next steps, with the PSR market review into the supply of card-acquiring services finding many merchants not pursuing the possibility of savings by shopping around, and either switching or negotiating with their current provider
• DLTs - the UK regulatory approach to cryptoassets and stablecoins - assessing key themes and responses as the Government consults on new distributed ledger technologies
• policy priorities:
  
  • what further action might be needed from policymakers and regulators to support start-ups and SMEs in the UK’s payments and Fintech sector
  • the possible role of a Centre for Finance, Innovation, and Technology, as recommended in the review into the UK Fintech sector by Ron Kalifa

The UK's New Payments Architecture (NPA):

• challenges - how best to address issues for regulation and implementation
• impact - implications for large retail banks and potential new market entrants

Background to the discussion:

• HM Treasury’s Payments Landscape Review - with the call for evidence having closed in October 2020, the review is focusing on responding to rapid technology developments and ensuring the UK maintains its status as a country at the cutting edge of payments technology
• Consultation on delivery and regulation of the New Payments Architecture - launched by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) into the future delivery and regulation of New Payments Architecture for interbank payments
• The Financial Services Act - which recently received Royal Assent, and includes an amendment put forward by Lord Holmes of Richmond, which aims to enable access to cash by allowing businesses to provide cashback without purchase
• The PSR plans to bolster protections in payments - the PSR launching reviews into consumer protection in interbank payments and authorised push payment scams as part of ongoing work to give greater protection to everyone using payment services
• Market review into the supply of card-acquiring services - the PSR is due to publish its final report later this year, following its interim report in September 2020
• FCA confirms the increase in thresholds for contactless payments - also announced by the chancellor in the Spring Budget, the contactless limit will now be set at £100 from £45, and the threshold for multiple transactions will be raised from £130 to £300
• Payments after the Covid crisis - emerging issues and challenges - a Bank of England speech, which covered the need for payments to be secure and reliable, how people’s attitude to payments has changed over the pandemic, and the role of central banks
• Government outlines approach to protect future of cash - including plans to consider offering cashback in shops without the need to make a purchase, and to give the FCA overall responsibility for the UK’s retail cash system
• The future of access to cash - ongoing work by the FCA aimed at ensuring consumers can access cash if they need to
• the Kalifa Review of UK FinTech - the recently published independent report by Ron Kalifa, which identifies priority areas to support continued innovation in the UK’s Fintech sector
• The UK’s ongoing commitment to sustainable finance - with the Government being a member of the International Platform on Sustainable Finance (IPSF)
• the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency Taskforce - jointly created by the Bank of England and HM Treasury, the Taskforce will engage with stakeholders to consider the benefits, risks, and practicalities of whether to introduce a Central Bank Digital Currency in the UK

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by officials from BEIS; the Competition and Markets Authority; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for International Trade; Department for the Economy, NI; the Department for Transport; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; HM Treasury; Information Commissioner's Office; Ofcom; and The Scottish Government. Also due to attend are representatives from Afore Consulting; Amazon; Australian Payments Network; Baker Botts; Bank of England; Barclays Bank; Deloitte; Expleo Technology; Fingleton; Frontier Economics; FTI Consulting; Google; LINK Scheme; Pay.UK; Payment Systems Regulator; PayProp; RPC; Santander; Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe; The AA; Tink; Travers Smith; UK Finance; University of Bristol; University of Glasgow and University of Stirling.

A press pass has been reserved by a representative from Global Government Fintech.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine the next steps for the development of the UK mobile market and 5G services.

We are very pleased to be able to include keynotes sessions with Louise Lancaster, Head of Mobile & Spectrum Policy, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; and  Brian Potterill, Director, Mobile Network Strategy, Ofcom; along with Professor Dimitra Simeonidou, Co-Director, Bristol Digital Futures Institute, and Director, Smart Internet Lab, University of Bristol.

Areas for discussion include:

• competition and latest market developments, including moves to diversify supply chains
• consumer habits and changing priorities, particularly in the context of the pandemic
• 5G rollout, spectrum allocation, and the evolving regulatory landscape
• innovation, infrastructure and investment
• coverage in rural and remote areas
• next steps for policy and regulation

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DCMS; Ofcom; HMRC; the UK Space Agency; BEIS; Defra; the Department for the Economy, NI; DIT; the Government Legal Department; the Home Office; the National Crime Agency; the NCSC; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda:

• The UK mobile market - emerging trends and issues
• Mobile and the pandemic - changes in consumer behaviour and consumption, how operators are innovating their offerings, and priorities for improving customer experience
• Market dynamics and future growth - competition, service and support for consumers, and next steps for improving mobile coverage in remote areas
• Mobile market regulation in an evolving landscape
• Supporting innovation in services and technology - tackling the key challenges for rolling out 5G across the UK, encouraging investment, and priorities for spectrum allocation
• Next steps for policy, regulation and keeping the country connected

Key areas for discussion:

• the mobile market - the changing landscape and key developments in the sector, including M&A activity and consolidation, and new services and devices
• consumers - the impact of changes in behaviour and consumption during the pandemic, and how operators have adapted:
  
  • consumption and habits - what do increases, reported by Ofcom, in both mobile data and voice traffic compared to levels before the Spring lockdown mean for the market going forward
  • service innovation - assessing the effect of changes to the offerings from operators during the pandemic
  • corporate citizenship - how they have responded to consumer and societal needs, for example the offer of free data to disadvantaged families to support children with remote learning
  • customer experience - including discussion of the ban on selling locked handsets, the push for greater consumer transparency, and enabling quick and easy provider switching
• competition:
  
  • market dynamics - key developments, including M&A and consolidation, and what they mean for the industry, their customers, and overall sector growth
  • developments in services and devices
• the supply chain - including:
  
  • the Government’s 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy aimed at attracting new suppliers
  • assessing opportunities following the withdrawal of Huawei involvement
• coverage in rural and remote areas:
  
  • Shared Rural Network - progress and priorities for rollout, and what more needs to be done to improve mobile coverage in these areas
  • priorities for infrastructure improvements in order to improve connectivity ahead of the rollout of 5G networks
• 5G rollout, spectrum allocation, the evolving regulatory landscape:
  
  • tackling the key challenges of rolling out 5G - and the likely future for 700MHz and 3.6-3.8GHz bands following the results of the Principal Stage of the auction
  • diversifying the 5G supply chain - key challenges and the Government’s strategy, which includes plans for:
    
    • supporting incumbent suppliers
    • attracting new suppliers into the UK market
    • accelerating open-interface and interoperable technologies
  • demonstrating practical applications of 5G - as well as wider innovation and technology priorities in the sector, and the evolving regulatory landscape
  • funding - addressing the challenges of attracting investment into digital infrastructure such as 5G, and its role in tackling the digital divide
• next steps for policy and regulation

A scan of relevant developments:

• market dynamics, the impact of the pandemic and improving customer experience:
  
  • Market structure, investment and quality in the mobile industry - Ofcom’s study on the impact of investment and service quality of competition in the sector
  • Mobile firms to be banned from selling ‘locked’ handsets - part of measures announced by Ofcom in implementing the new European Electronic Communications Code
  • CMA provisionally clears merger of Virgin and O2 - following initial concerns about a possible reduction in competition in wholesale services
  • voice traffic usage - Ofcom, reporting up to a 45% increase in mobile voice traffic across operators when compared with the period leading up to the initial lockdown
  • 5G usage - the EE Mobile Network Index ­report finding an increase of 40% month on month throughout October to December 2020
• Build Back Better: Our Plan for Growth - from the Government, along with the National Infrastructure Strategy, including:
  
  • £5bn to accelerate UK-wide gigabit broadband roll-out
  • a Shared Rural Network extending 4G mobile coverage to 95% of the UK
  • £250m to ensure resilient and secure 5G networks
  • £50m for the continuation of the 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme in 2021-22
• key issues for regulation, 5G rollout and supporting technology and innovation:
  
  • Award of 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum by auction - commenced by Ofcom:
    
    • aimed at increasing the amount of spectrum available for mobile technology in the UK by nearly a fifth
    • EE, Vodafone, Hutchison 3G UK Limited and Telefónica UK Limited were all successful in the auction
  • Consultation: Supporting the UK’s wireless future - Our spectrum management strategy for the 2020s - from Ofcom on their approach to supporting wireless innovation and spectrum sharing
  • 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies - report by the House of Commons Science and Technology committee stating that the Government’s decision to ban Huawei from 5G networks has left the UK overly reliant on a small group of 5G technology suppliers, causing delays in rollouts and adding costs
  • 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy - from the Government, with an initial investment of £250m for implementation, the delivery and implementation of the strategy is guided by the Telecoms Diversification Task Force
  • Superfast Broadband Programme - State Aid Evaluation Report 2020 - the DCMS-commissioned independent study finding that the Government’s Superfast Broadband Programme has secured faster connections for 5.5m homes and businesses, and created significant economic and social benefits since roll out
  • Broadband and the road to 5G - the DCMS Committee report, including calls for the Government to do more to ensure that rural and remote areas do not get left behind
  • £28m to trial innovative new uses of 5G to improve people’s lives - joint government-business investment in projects including 5G-powered cargo ports, as well as visitor experiences at the O2 Arena, MK Dons stadium, and the Eden Project

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons, and officials from BEIS; Defra; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; the Department for International Trade; the Department for the Economy, NI; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue and Customs; Home Office; the National Crime Agency; the National Cyber Security Centre; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government and regulatory officials involved in this area of policy, as well as from key stakeholders from the mobile, telecoms and technology sector, their advisors and suppliers, data professionals, technologists, consultants, lawyers, organisations and individuals representing the views of consumers and citizens, academics, educational and research institutions, together with reporters from the national and specialist media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine the way forward for regulation and competition in digital markets, and the evolving role of platforms.

Areas for discussion include:

• the role of the Digital Markets Unit in addressing digital competition issues going forward, and what further action might be needed from policymakers and regulators
• the international regulatory landscape
• the evolving role of platforms and regulation in tackling online harm

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from: the DCMS; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the CMA; the DfT; DHSC; the DIT; the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom; the Government Legal Department; HMRC; HM Treasury; the Information Commissioner’s Office; the Intellectual Property Office; Ofcom; and the Prime Minister’s Office; as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

The agenda

• Competition regulation in the global digital economy - the evolving landscape
• Developing a competition regime for digital markets in the UK
• Addressing competition issues in digital markets - setting out clear guidelines, encouraging innovation and supporting smaller enterprises, and ensuring consumer benefit
• Next steps for international collaboration and developing effective digital competition frameworks worldwide
• The evolving role of platforms in tackling online harm - setting boundaries, freedom of expression, and the future for regulation
• Key priorities for the new Digital Markets Unit and policy in the UK

Areas for discussion:

• digital competition - the international landscape, and key developments in the sector
• regulation - priorities for developing a competition regime for digital markets in the UK, and the role of the Digital Markets Unit:
  
  • a code of conduct - looking at development and enforceability of a regime for platforms funded by digital advertising that are designated as having strategic market status
  • enforcement practicalities:
    
    • assessing what powers will be needed for the Digital Market Unit to be effective
    • looking at the ability to impose financial penalties for non-compliance, and introduce pro-competitive interventions
  • regulatory agility and future proofing - how can it be ensured that the Digital Markets Unit is able to adapt to changing market conditions and dynamics
  • SMEs and new entrants - the role of any future regulation framework in addressing barriers and supporting smaller players
  • M&A activity in digital markets - assessing its impact, as well as the role of regulation in fostering innovation and safeguarding consumer benefit
• international approaches to regulation - priorities, and what can be learned from developments and practice in different territories:
  
  • the impact of the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act:
    
    • with the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, writing in a column for Politico following events early this year: ‘Just as 9/11 marked a paradigm shift for global security, 20 years later we are witnessing a before-and-after in the role of digital platforms in our democracy’
• the US regulatory framework and whether steps are needed to curb the power of Big Tech:
  
  • including potential changes to Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act - under which internet platforms can publish and moderate content from third parties without being held legally liable for what they say 
• the evolving role of platforms in tackling online harm - and implications for future regulation and liability:
  
  • freedom of expression online - following a number of platforms banning President Trump following unrest in Washington DC, and removing support for Parler
  • online harm - assessing effectiveness of strategies and actions taken so far by online platforms and social media companies in tackling online harm, disinformation and misinformation
  • how regulation in the UK will need to adapt:
    
    • as Ofcom is appointed as regulator for online harms, alongside the setting up of the Digital Market Unit
    • with the Health Secretary commenting that the action of platforms 'raises regulation questions' going forward

The context for discussion:

• UK competition watchdog warns Big Tech of coming antitrust probes - FT interview with CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli, saying that the Authority will launch a series of antitrust investigations into Big Tech practices over the coming year
• regulating digital markets in the UK:
  
  • Oliver Dowden warns Facebook of UK crackdown on Big Tech - the Daily Telegraph reporting that the UK won’t shy away from intervening with Big Tech if it is in the public interest to do so, following the disputes between Facebook and the Australian government
  • the establishment of the Digital Markets Unit - within the Competition and Markets Authority, and designed to regulate digital markets in the UK
  • advice from the CMA’s Digital Markets Taskforce - on the design and implementation of a new regulatory regime for digital markets
  • Unlocking digital competition - the final report of the Digital Competition Expert Panel, chaired by Professor Jason Furman, which included a call for the creation of the Digital Markets Unit
  • Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers - the CMA’s Data, Technology and Analytics (DaTA) Unit has called for views following the publication of their report, which warns that the misuse of algorithms can reduce competition online and harm consumers
• international approaches to regulation:
  
  • the European Commission’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act - which aim to keep digital markets and services open and contestable across the EU, address competition concerns in fast-moving digital markets, better protect consumers, and encourage transparency
  • ongoing discussion in the US about whether steps are needed to curb the power of platforms
  • dispute between the Australian government and Facebook - after introduction of draft legislation seeking to redistribute advertising revenue from Google and Facebook to news outlets
• tackling online harm and implications for regulation:
  
  • the Online Harms White Paper - with aims to protect children and vulnerable people online, plans for a new duty of care, and government commitments to publishing an Online Safety Bill, which is expected to be published this year
  • appointment of Ofcom as online harms regulator - with plans to publish its initial thinking on its approach, also this year
  • vaccine misinformation - Facebook, Twitter and Google agreeing to work with public health bodies to promote factual and reliable messages, and limit the spread of misinformation and disinformation

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for Health and Social Care; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; HM Treasury; the Information Commissioner's Office; the Intellectual Property Office; Ofcom; and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government officials involved in this area of public policy, together with digital and social media platforms, consumer technology companies, digital advertising companies, data analytics companies, artificial intelligence and machine learning companies, other industry representatives from across the technology and digital sectors, lawyers and consultants with an interest in these topics, organisations and individuals representing the views of consumers and citizens, regulators, academics and reporters from the national and trade media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine priorities and challenges for decarbonisation in the tech sector - and its role of as part of the wider UK policy drive towards achieving net-zero emissions.

The conference will be an opportunity to discuss implications for UK technology businesses of the Government’s recently-published Industrial decarbonisation strategy - which sets out a pathway for net-zero whilst retaining competitiveness and avoiding exporting problems abroad, as well as seeking to engage investors and consumers and move towards ‘low regret’ technologies.

Sessions in the agenda look at:

• developing the tech circular economy - reusability by design, reducing waste, and meeting the challenge of proliferation of devices
• innovation in hard-to-decarbonise settings - data centre management, heating and cooling systems, and energy efficiency across manufacturing
• securing buy-in - looking at consumers, industry leaders, and across supply chains
• advancing international collaboration - supply chains, carbon footprint transparency, and regulatory and legal framework, and opportunities from the upcoming COP26 climate summit
• opportunities for the technology sector - the role that tech stakeholders can play on the back of the drive to net-zero in supporting wider industry decarbonisation

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the Crown Commercial Service; Defra; DCMS; DIT; DfT; the Government Legal Department; HSE; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the NAO; the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda

• Priorities for decarbonising the UK tech sector and securing buy-in from industry leaders, supply chains and consumers
• Developing the tech circular economy - reusability by design, reducing waste, and meeting the challenge of proliferation of devices
• Innovation in hard-to-decarbonise settings - data centre management, use of heating and cooling systems, and improving energy efficiency across manufacturing
• COP26 and advancing international collaboration - sustainable supply chains, greater transparency on the sector’s carbon footprint, and fostering robust regulatory and legal frameworks
• The role of technology in supporting wider industry to meet net-zero targets
• Priorities for establishing UK leadership in decarbonising the tech sector

Key areas for discussion:

The Industrial decarbonisation strategy - with its focus on the tech sector, assessing the challenges and opportunities it presents, including:

• changes to tech sector processes and incorporation of low-regret technologies, increasing efficiency and supporting innovation
• relationships with consumers and investors, and with local and devolved UK governments
• opportunities for new trading markets, and for tech for good, including in international development

Priorities for decarbonising the UK tech sector

• industry engagement - what more needs to be done to encourage buy-in from industry, supply chains and consumers
• consumer engagement - innovating design, promoting better product labelling, as well as consumer and supply chain awareness, and widening the options and availability of electrical goods recycling
• developing the tech circular economy - and meeting the challenge of proliferation of devices
• supporting SMEs - promoting and facilitating decarbonisation, emissions reduction and the sharing of best practice across the sector
• energy use - encouraging innovative solutions to data centre management, energy efficiency, and the use of heating and cooling systems

Encouraging international collaboration ahead of COP26

• looking towards COP26 - how the UK Government, regulators and industry should prepare to lead on the issue of tech industry decarbonisation
• collaboration - working with global partners to design robust international regulatory frameworks, improve transparency on the sector’s carbon footprint, and develop sustainable supply chains

Supporting industry to meet net-zero targets

• the wider decarbonisation pathway - the role of technology and digital infrastructure in:
  
  • contributing to the transition to lowering energy use
  • driving changes in consumer and business behaviour
  • using data to improve efficiency
  • providing innovative solutions to challenges faced across energy-intensive industries
• innovation - the utilisation and rollout of AI and machine learning to improve business efficiency:
  
  • working with innovators to make industry adoption more achievable
  • addressing issues around compatibility with a wide range of tech and digital sector technologies
  • demonstrating cost and carbon saving potential

A scan of relevant developments:

• the Industrial decarbonisation strategy - the government’s new policy on the practicalities of the drive to net-zero, with a focus on the tech sector, and proposals on:
  
  • an emphasis on the concept of low-regret technologies
  • engagement with businesses, local government, investors and the public
  • boosting efficiency and innovation
  • addressing regional inequalities and benefiting local economies and the employment they can provide
  • leveraging developments in the UK to support international development and trade
• commitments from Big Tech:
  
  • Netflix has announced aims to achieve net-zero by 2022
  • Microsoft has stated its intention to become carbon negative from 2030
  • Apple has promised to become carbon neutral by the same time
  • Facebook has committed to reaching net-zero within the decade
• the Tech Zero Taskforce - with support from the Government’s Council for Sustainable Business and industry body Tech Nation, the fifteen UK-based tech firms that form the Tech Zero Taskforce aim to sign up 1,000 UK tech companies to net-zero commitments, in advance of COP26
• the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution - outlining the Government’s priorities for innovating energy-intensive sectors and supporting UK leadership in emerging technologies
• Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact - signed by major European cloud and data centre operators, as well as smaller and national providers, aimed at making data centres climate neutral by 2030
  
  • as a response to the EU’s European Green Deal aimed at ensuring there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050
• UK tech for a sustainable future - ongoing work by Tech Nation designed to support tech companies that are building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future
• Digital technology can cut global emissions by 15% - the World Economic Forum suggesting tech-based solutions in energy, manufacturing, land use, buildings, services, and transport
• preparations for COP26 due to take place later this year - with Alok Sharma MP appointed as full-time President of the UN COP26 climate conference

Policy officials attending:

Places have been reserved by officials from BEIS; the Crown Commercial Service; Defra; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; the Government Legal Department; the Health and Safety Executive; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the National Audit Office; the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales; and the Welsh Government.

Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government officials in this area of public policy, together with other stakeholders from across the tech sector, including electronics companies, oil and gas firms, telecoms groups, environmental campaigners, social enterprises, investment firms, social media groups, IT and software developers, law firms, professional services providers, charities and education bodies, researchers in academia and higher education, as well as reporters from the national and specialist media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference focuses on next steps for the development of immersive technologies.

The discussion takes place with immersive tech regarded by industry and policymakers as set to have a major impact on the shape of entertainment and gaming, education and training, medicine, the emergency services, and a range of wider sectors and services.

The agenda will bring out latest thinking in areas including:

• research, emerging uses and their implications for sectors and the wider economy
• priorities for funding, collaboration and what is needed to support the pace of innovation
• issues around data, ethical issues and regulation
• how the UK can realise the economic, cultural and social benefits of VR, AR, MR and haptic technology

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the CMA; the DCMS; DIT; Department for The Economy, NI; the DfT; GCHQ; HMRC; the Home Office; the IPO; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the MOD; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda

• Developing the UK’s immersive technologies sector - progress so far and next steps for supporting innovation
• Taking forward immersive technology in the UK
  
  • Research and development in immersive technology in the UK - collaboration between universities and industry, and international partnerships
  • Funding and supporting emerging projects, and encouraging widespread uptake
• Addressing key issues around data, and wider ethical and regulatory implications of the latest developments in immersive technologies
• How can the UK realise the economic, cultural and social benefits of VR, AR, MR and haptic technology

Key areas for discussion:

• research and innovation - next steps and priorities for support, looking at:
  
  • the role of Digital Catapult - as well as tapping into the work of the Augmentor acceleration programme and Immersive Labs
  • UK competitive advantage - how best to build on strong research systems and established collaboration between the public sector, academia, and industry
  • international collaboration - the outlook for the future in the context of the end of the transition period, and the UK’s role in the international market
  • skills - next steps for developing the skills and training programmes required to support sector growth, and strategies for better working with education providers
• funding - assessing the evolving landscape:
  
  • assessing potential impact - examining new funding provision, such as from UKRI, and how it can best support innovation in the sector
  • funding distribution - how best to ensure financial support is spread effectively across the sector, as well as priorities for supporting start-ups and small businesses
  • investor relationships - making the sector attractive for investment and financing, and helping to connect businesses with prospective funding sources 
• connectivity - supporting the development of national infrastructure, such as 5G and consistent broadband, to enable sector growth 
• commercialisation - developing use cases and workable applications across diverse sectors, as well as tackling remaining technical and practical barriers to adoption and commercialisation, including:
  
  • video games and the arts - assessing the changing market and how immersive products and marketing are adapting to the impact of the pandemic
  • innovation and new opportunities - evolving the immersive tech offering, and its role in improving education and wellbeing
  • profile raising - what more can be done to demonstrate practical applications and possible use cases to support rollout
  • societal contribution - including the role of immersive tech in education and improving wellbeing, and in supporting economic recovery 
• driving growth - what more might be required from policymakers, research bodies, and businesses to support the sector and the UK’s international competitiveness going forward
• ethical and regulatory issues - how to address potential concerns around data use and protection arising from the widespread utilisation of immersive technologies, including personalised advertising, and how industry practice, regulation, and policy may need to respond

Relevant developments:

• Beyond the early adopter: widening the appeal for virtual reality - the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (PEC) outlining key principles for overcoming barriers to the adoption of immersive technology in the cultural industries
• Government response to the DCMS Select Committee Report on Immersive and Addictive Technologies - with commitments on research, online safety, esports, disinformation and diversity
• the Digital Catapult’s ongoing work on immersive technology - including its Augmentor acceleration programme supporting start-ups, Immersive Arcade showcasing UK innovation, and promulgating latest research and best practice, including in light of COVID-19, through its Immersive Audience Journey report
• £29m government funding to boost digital revolution and help keep people safe online - announcing support through UKRI, including testing how immersive technology can improve education, following previous funding through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund
• Supporting the UK’s Wireless Future - Ofcom’s consultation on plans to manage the use of the radio spectrum over the next decade in order to meet challenges, including those arising from connected devices and new applications - including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) - driving demand for faster, more reliable, and lower or more consistent latency Wi-Fi
• AI Roadmap - the AI Council’s independent report calling on the Government to establish a UK national strategy and to scale up investment
• Virtual reality: pandemic leads to rise in headset sales to escape lockdown - reported by The Times to be up by 350%

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Children's Media and the Arts, and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the DCMS; the Department for International Trade; the Department for the Economy, NI; the Department for Transport; GCHQ; the Geospatial Commission; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Intellectual Property Office; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the Ministry of Defence; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine next steps for the National Data Strategy (NDS) - and the steps that will be needed for its key aims, including:

• growth - the Government achieving its aims for boosting the UK economy through the use of data
• safety - improving regulation around data protection and privacy

Delegates will assess the proposals in the Strategy and key issues for implementation, with discussion on:

• supporting business innovation, as well as the use of data and priorities for harnessing it to boost productivity and the economy
• improving the use of data in the delivery of services in local and national government
• data protection, privacy and safeguarding
• developing data skills
• IP issues and the future of the international flow of data - as the EU releases draft data adequacy decisions which support continued free flow of data between the EU and the UK

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from the Cabinet Office; DCMS; the CDEI; the CMA; DfT; DWP; the Geospatial Commission; Government Banking; the Government Legal Department; HMRC; Home Office; the IPO; the MOD; the MOJ; the NAO; the Office for Artificial Intelligence; the ONS; Ofcom; the Serious Fraud Office; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda

• The Data Strategy and next steps for implementation
• The use of data within government - improving usability, coordination, responsiveness, and service delivery
• Data protection, privacy and safeguarding - intellectual property, early indications following transition from the EU, and regulatory priorities going forward
• Developing data skills in the UK
• Next steps for developing the international flow of data
• Maximising the potential of data to boost the economy - supporting private sector innovation, closing labour market skills gaps, and improving productivity

Key areas for discussion:

• data and economic growth:
  
  • the potential - assessing policy and strategic priorities for unlocking the value of data across the economy, developing the skills base, and supporting productivity
  • infrastructure - how to support better use of data to inform development and need as outlined in the Strategy
  • resilience - priorities for the working group on developing the National Digital Twin of the UK’s infrastructure systems and built environment
  • interoperability and access - options for policy and industry in improving data availability and standards
  • the UK data sector - options for supporting:
    
    • innovation - and the commercialisation of research in data-driven enterprises and services
    • growth - in new and established businesses, research bodies and academic institutions involved in data services and R&D
    • international leadership - what will be need to secure the UK’s positioning in the sector globally
• data protection and privacy:
  
  • balancing strategic priorities:
    
    • data-driven economic growth - a focus for policy through encouragement of widespread uptake of digital technologies
    • security and regulatory agility - the development of a strong and sustainable data protection regime that is able to adapt over time
  • business use of data:
    
    • encouraging best practice - including options for incentivising responsivity and transparency, and for further regulation and legislation
    • data literacy - latest thinking on ways to develop citizen empowerment, backed by the skills and resources for choosing when to share personal data and how it is used
• data use in government:
  
  • the new Government Chief Data Officer - priorities for their role in developing the approach across the quality, coordination and use of data in government to improve services
  • coordination - creating joined-up data infrastructure with effective data sharing between organisations
  • efficiency - how to streamline the collection and management of data results, so as to improve service delivery and minimise burden on organisational resources and capacity
  • public trust - priorities for:
    
    • data protection - ensuring strong practices across the public sector
    • communication - strategies for greater clarity and transparency on the collection, governance and use of personal data
• data skills - how key challenges for developing data skills outlined in the NDS can be overcome, looking at:
  
  • a coordinated vision - what does it look like, and what are the roles of stakeholders in education, business and government in achieving it
  • priority skills - clarity on data skill sets most needed by the economy, and joining up the needs of employers with the aims of those entering education, training and the workforce
  • the education and training system:
    
    • education and qualifications providers - priorities for better integrating data skills into education provision, and preparing those entering the job market for the data economy
    • industry and policymakers and regulators - options for fostering the data and digital skills directly applicable to the workplace, including work placements and apprenticeships
  • data-skilled businesses - how organisations of all scales, including SMEs, can be supported in developing greater understanding and abilities in:
    
    • reducing inefficiencies and driving up quality and growth
    • investment decisions and understanding in leadership groups of organisational and operational strategy driven by the use of data
• the UK’s future standing in the international data landscape:
  
  • life outside the EU - implications of outcomes of data adequacy arrangements for European and global business links and flow of data following the UK’s transition from the EU
  • new relationships - next steps for developing effective international data sharing and partnerships with businesses, governments and agencies

Relevant developments:

• UK National Data Strategy consultation - with government analysing feedback on whether the NDS proposals are fit for purpose in relation to data opportunities, challenges and potential trade-offs
• ICO publishes new Data Sharing Code of Practice - including guidance for continued responsible data sharing
• new guidance from the CDEI - on the use of data in local government during COVID-19, and support the use of data-driven innovation
• New review into use of health data for research and analysis - launched by DHSC, which will feed into the forthcoming Data Strategy for Health and Social Care
• the National Infrastructure Strategy - setting sets out plans for transformation across the UK
• Enhancing the UK’s Geospatial Ecosystem - with development of the UK location data market highlighted in the Geospatial Commission’s recent report on growing the geospatial economy
• Addressing trust in public sector data use - the CDEI report highlighting the importance of alignment with societal values and expectations underpinned by consistency and clear communication
• Introducing the Government Data Quality Hub:
  
  • rebranding of the Government Statistical Service Quality Centre as the DQHub, with a wider remit to help improve data quality and analysis across government
  • The Government Data Quality Framework - from the DQHub with data quality action plans, guidance on metadata, and an introduction to data maturity models
• skills and leadership in government:
  
  • the ONS’s Data Science Campus training 500 data analysts across the public sector in cutting edge data science and tech fellowships to be offered each year in Downing Street
  • appointment of a Government Chief Data Officer to lead a whole-government approach to transform the use of data in government
• The future of citizen data systems - the Government Office for Science report of the way citizen data is governed, controlled and used in the UK and other countries, and current trends
• Online Harms White Paper - setting out plans for improving the regulatory landscape for combatting online harms and protecting personal data
• the Digital Strategy - which will outline further proposals for how the government will support a digital drive for growth
• Government Technology Innovation Strategy - which set out plans for improving the use of data and technology across government
• Industrial Strategy: building a Britain fit for the future - aiming to make the UK the world’s most innovative economy, as well as to spearhead the use of emerging technologies
• NHS COVID-19 app - promoting concerns from some around increased data sharing and privacy, and impact on the potential effectiveness of the Government’s test and trace strategy

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament, and officials from the Cabinet Office; the Centre For Data Ethics and Innovation; the CMA; DCMS; the Department for Transport; DWP; the Geospatial Commission; Government Banking; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Intellectual Property Office; the Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Justice; the National Audit Office; the Office for Artificial Intelligence; the Office for National Statistics; Ofcom; the Serious Fraud Office; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference examines latest developments in developing quantum technologies in the UK.

Areas for discussion include:

• development and applications of quantum technologies
• investment and the research landscape
• the way forward for commercialisation and regulation

The seminar is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; DCMS; the IPO; the DSTL; DIT; the DfT; the European Space Agency; the Geospatial Commission; the Home Office; the MOD; and The Scottish Government.

The agenda

• Developing the UK’s quantum technologies sector - progress so far, and lessons learnt from the first phase of the Quantum Technologies Programme
• Taking forward quantum technology in the UK - priorities for the second phase of the of the Quantum Technologies Programme and use cases for quantum technology across the UK economy
• Research and development in quantum technologies in the UK - funding, collaboration between universities and industry, and international partnerships
• The impact of new investment on the growth of quantum technologies - supporting emerging projects and applications in the UK, and tackling key barriers to development and widespread uptake
• Developing quantum technologies in the UK - priorities for commercialisation and the UK Quantum Technologies Challenge programme

Key areas for discussion:

• the UK National Quantum Technology Programme - assessing progress, what lessons can be learnt from phase one, and the priorities for phase two:
  
  • the four hubs - assessing the work on sensors and timing, imaging, computing and simulation, and communications technologies, and plans going forward
  • progress on individual projects - such as the new National Quantum Computing Centre
  • next steps - what more is needed from policy, research institutions, and industry to support quantum sector development, and the UK’s international competitiveness and positioning
• the evolving landscape - looking at research, skills and funding in the sector:
  
  • the skills challenge - what is needed to secure the UK’s position in quantum technologies, and the impact of the Centres for Doctoral Training
  • international partnerships - prospects and priorities for growing global relationships in the development and commercialisation of quantum with the end of the EU exit transition period
  • UK cross-sector collaboration - strategies and best practice for developing effective joint working between the public sector, academia, and industry
• commercialisation, scaling up and uptake:
  
  • the commercialising quantum technologies programme - its impact, and how the findings from the projects might be applied more broadly
  • proof of concepts - demonstrating practical applications of quantum technologies and possible use cases to support rollout
  • priority uses - examining the Government’s outline funding and the focus of support plans for addressing global and industrial challenges
  • tackling barriers - managing quantum development, including technical challenges of scalability, stability, and reliability, and integration with existing systems and computing processes
  • regulation - priorities for the framework and policy to support the developing technology, address any ethical and market issues, and be able to adapt as quantum technology advances
  • public sector investment - assessing initiatives and commitments already announced, and the way forward and focus for supporting research in UK universities and research institutions
  • private funding - what more may be needed from policy to incentivise private sector investment, increase the availability and diversity of funding sources, and better connect those in the sector with potential backers

Background and developments at a glance:

• the UK National Quantum Technology Programme - its ongoing work following phase 1 and into Phase 2, following a £94m investment from the EPSRC in four hubs over five years
• the four quantum hubs - focusing on sensors and timing, enhanced imaging, computing and simulation, and communications technologies
• £70m funding to secure UK position as a world-leader in quantum technology - government funding for 38 new projects in areas such as medical diagnosis and greenhouse gas emissions
• Government backs UK’s first quantum computer - in Abingdon and commercially available to businesses, and the Government’s ambition for the UK to be the world’s first quantum-ready economy
• Science Minister launches National Quantum Computing Centre - aimed at supporting tackling the challenge of scaling quantum computing
• the commercialising quantum technologies programme - focusing on sectors including automotive and healthcare, infrastructure and telecommunications, and cybersecurity and defence
• UK and Canada launch world-first programme of quantum technologies - UKRI/NSERC funding competition winners announced as part of the bilateral commercialisation and research initiative
• UKRI and the US to collaborate on research commercialisation - working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on research and commercialisation in quantum information science as well as AI and advanced manufacturing
• Quantum Ambassador Programme - scheme supported through the UK National Quantum Technology Programme to get young people engaged with quantum sciences

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons, and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; CDEI; the DCMS; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; the DSTL; the European Space Agency; the Geospatial Commission; the Intellectual Property Office; the Ministry of Defence; Ofcom; and The Scottish Government. Also due to attend are representatives from Cambridge Quantum Computing; Department of Communications and Digital Technologies; Irish Development Authority (IDA); MBDA UK; Oxford Ionics; Oxfordshire County council; STFC-UKRI; Technopolis; Teledyne e2v; The Institute of Physics; UKRI-STFC and University of Cambridge.

Press passes have been reserved by representatives from Satellite Evolution Group and ZDNet

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference examines the future for location-based data in the UK - looking at priorities for the UK’s Geospatial Strategy and for developing the geographic data market.

Areas for discussion include:

• the UK’s Geospatial Strategy ­- implementation, impact, ethics, regulation and the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) pilot projects
• data - priorities for developing the framework, accessibility and interoperability
• skills - including geospatial apprenticeships
• commercialisation - supporting the development of location-based data services across the UK, and potential contribution to the economy

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with key policy officials who are due to attend from the Geospatial Commission; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; DCMS; DfT; HMRC; the HSE; Home Office and the NAO.

The agenda:

• Developing the UK’s geospatial sector and realising opportunities
• Developing a coherent national location data framework
• Case study - lessons learnt from the National Underground Asset Register pilot projects
• Taking forward the UK Geospatial Strategy - improving access to better location data, and priorities for harnessing and safeguarding the data going forward
• Supporting the development of the skills, geospatial apprenticeships and capabilities to enable future growth
• Research and developing the market for geospatial data - future applications, commercial opportunities and supporting development and uptake

Key areas for discussion:

• Unlocking the power of location - The UK’s geospatial strategy:
  
  • key recommendations - assessing measures put forward for supporting growth, competition and innovation
  • delivery - how to address key challenges for developing and implementing a coherent national location data framework, and meeting its core objectives of:
    
    • promoting and safeguarding the use of location data
    • improving access to better location data
    • enhancing capabilities, skills and awareness
    • enabling innovation
  • ethics - what should be included in guidelines for the responsible use of location data and technology, options for enforcement, and progress on developing a strategy in this area
  • impact - looking at guidance being developed for measuring the economic, social and environmental value of location data
  • regulation - development of a set of harmonised data licences for the use of public sector location data, which is due by 2021
  • lessons from NUAR pilot projects - building trust, engaging early and defining clear use cases, and implications for the next phase of the programme and national rollout
• next steps for development - supporting the development of location-based data services across the UK:
  
  • use cases - examining how to maximise the potential for location data in areas such as:
    
    • supporting the future of mobility and next generation transport networks
    • delivering environmental outcomes and the delivery of a national land use framework
    • enabling future technologies as identified in the Geospatial Commission’s Future Technologies Review, including in:
      
      • cameras, imaging and sensing, immersive technologies and simulation
      • unmanned vehicle systems and drones, and survey, measurement and scanning
      • artificial intelligence, smart sensors and the internet of things
  • key programmes - priorities for the Geospatial Commission’s work with Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government to develop a new Scottish Geospatial Network Integrator
• commercialisation - what more might be required from policymakers, researchers, and businesses to support work into developing geospatial data and incentivise private sector investment
• data - what more needs to be done to open up data for development:
  
  • key programmes - how to maximise the impact of:
    
    • the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA) which provides location expertise to developers and the public sector across Britain
    • improved access to the Ordnance Survey MasterMap
    • the work of the Geo6 and the Data Discoverability programme
  • tackling barriers - what is needed to ensure that location data is available, accessible, interoperable, reusable and of high quality

• skills - with the strategy committing to produce a skills demand study to pinpoint specific sectors and roles that need geospatial skills now and in the future, including:
  
  • geospatial apprenticeships - assessing progress and next steps for their development in the public and private sectors
  • collaboration - the way forward for fostering effective joint working between the public sector, academia, and industry, drawing together geospatial, data science, digital and sector expertise
• research - assessing the landscape in relation to geospatial development including:
  
  • international relationships - the possible impact of the end of the Brexit transition period on collaboration, and priorities for the UK in the global geospatial environment
  • funding - whether more is needed from public and private sector sources to support continued research efforts, and where the priority areas for investment are

Relevant developments

• Unlocking the power of location: The UK’s geospatial strategy - which sets out plans to develop a coherent national location data framework by 2025, focused on four main areas:
  
  • promoting and safeguarding the use of location data
  • improving access to better location data
  • enhancing capabilities, skills and awareness
  • enabling innovation
• Enhancing the UK’s Geospatial Ecosystem - report by the Geospatial Commission with recommendations focusing on:
  
  • improving data access and maintaining public trust in location data technologies
  • driving business innovation in geospatial technologies in order to meet the aims of the Geospatial Strategy
• the Government’s £2m transport location data competition:
  
  • supporting the development of transport location data to enable smart mobility solutions for future transport
  • allocating the winnings across 28 projects under the themes of developing mobility as a service, boosting capacity, active travel, and supply chains
• National Underground Asset Register Project Update - latest development and findings from the NUAR pilot projects on a digital map of all underground pipes and cables
  
  • backed by the Geo6, a collaboration between: The British Geological Survey, the Coal Authority, HM Land Registry, Ordnance Survey, the UK Hydrographic Office and the Valuation Office Agency
• New support to grow the Scottish geospatial sector - moves towards establishing the new Scottish Geospatial Network Integrator to enhance the use of location-based data across Scotland
• The Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA), which:
  
  • replaced the Public Sector Mapping Agreement (PSMA) for England and Wales and the One Scotland Mapping Agreement (OSMA) earlier this year
  • sets out how the Ordnance Survey provides location expertise to developers and the public sector across Britain
• Tech UK’s new Geospatial Data Campaign - which will explore the opportunities and potential benefits from greater use of geospatial data across different industries and sectors
• Improved access to MasterMap data and core location identifiers - announced by the Geospatial Commission alongside the release under an Open Government Licence of core location identifiers
• How the UK government is transforming the way it shares geospatial data - updates from the Geo6 on project Data Discoverability, aimed at supporting the unlocking the potential of geospatial data

Policy officials attending

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stake holders. Places have been reserved by officials from the Geospatial Commission; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; DCMS; the Department for Transport; the Health and Safety Executive; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Ministry of Defence; the National Audit Office; and The Scottish Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference is examining priorities and next steps for increasing international trade and export markets for the UK tech sector.

Delegation will discuss latest thinking on commercial and policy priorities for government support and initiatives, and for attracting investment.

It will be a timely opportunity to assess progress and next steps - and opportunities and remaining challenges - around the UK’s new positioning in global markets the landscape of the UK tech sector.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Oriel Petry, Director, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing, Department for International Trade; Gerard Grech, CEO, Tech Nation: and Johanna Beresford, Chief Executive Officer, In Diverse Company - as well as contributions from Burges Salmon; DataSpartan; Humanising Autonomy; The Institute of Export and International Trade; nCino; Microsoft; Seedrs; Thames Valley Berkshire LEP; techUK; and UrbanTide.

Areas for discussion include:

• opportunities - what UK tech businesses need to meet new demands domestically and compete in global markets
• future trade deals and negotiations - priorities for developing the UK’s international competitiveness and positioning in emerging economies, including Asia Pacific
• maintaining momentum - building on strong investment trends in UK tech going forward
• spreading benefits across the UK - encouraging investment in the tech industry across the regions and nations, and linking with local industrial strategies and City Deals
• SMEs - assessing the support they need to access global markets and investment
• skills - looking at attracting global and domestic talent, diversity, and educational pathways and professional development

The discussion is bringing together stakeholders with policy officials who are due to attend from DIT; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; DCMS; the DfE; the DIT; the DfT; GCHQ; the Geospatial Commission; the Government Legal Department; the Government Office for Science; HMRC; the Home Office; the MoD; the MoJ; the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda

• Priorities for the UK tech sector following transition from the EU and as it moves on from COVID-19
• Tackling the challenges facing the UK tech sector - supporting UK-based tech startups, attracting investment, adapting to new ways of working, and the impact of the pandemic
• Putting in place the skills needed to drive sector growth - education and professional development, diversity, and attracting talent
• Developing a future trade strategy for the UK tech industry - exploiting key opportunities in international trade and export markets, and linking with local industrial strategies
• Future trade and wider opportunities for the UK tech sector

A scan of relevant developments:

• London: Europe’s global tech city - reports showing that London-based tech companies attracted a record $10.5bn in investments in 2020, ahead of all other European cities, with research indicating further growth in the UK’s tech sector in 2021
• the Future Tech Trade Strategy - the government strategy seeking to boost digital trade, and establish the UK tech industry as a global player, including through:
  
  • Digital Trade Network (DTN) - launched to support UK SMEs entering Asian markets, with new guidance outlining key issues tech SMEs should consider as they weigh the benefits and risks of commercial ventures, published in response to sector demands
  • the Tech Export Academy - supporting Asia-Pacific expansion for UK companies in smart transport and infrastructure, smart cities, and cyber security sectors, through virtual trade missions and business advice
  • support for international engagement - DIT platform to help mitigate the impact on firms unable to attend international industry events and investor meetings
  • further measures - a new network to support international partnerships for English regions, expansion of DIT’s High Potential Opportunities tech programme, and promotion of UK Fintech following the launch of the new Leading Edge programme for connecting international banks with UK Fintech solutions
  • UAE and UK launch sovereign investment partnership with initial £1 billion in life sciences - a coordinated investment framework to grow a future-focused relationship that will invest in tech and innovation-led sectors over a five year period
• New Office for Investment to drive foreign investment into the UK - aimed at:
  
  • providing more structured support as global competition intensifies
  • delivering channel expertise
  • attracting foreign investment
  • helping build the UK tech sector’s reputation abroad
• Budget 2021 - new measures announced by the Chancellor: 
  
  • Future Fund: Breakthrough - £375m government investment in innovative companies, including in quantum computing and clean tech, that are aiming to raise at least £20m of funding
  • the Help to Grow Scheme - beginning later this year, small and medium sized businesses will have access to programmes aimed at boosting digital and management skills
  • review into tax reliefs in Research & Development as part of its target to raise total investment in research and development to 2.4% of UK GDP by 2027 
• HMG launches Export Growth Plan to help businesses - including a focus on regional UK development and a £38m Internationalisation Fund for SMEs looking to expand into overseas markets
• Tech for Growth - the Government’s programme to grow the role of technology in expanding access to financial services future trading opportunities between the UK and emerging economies
• Joe White appointed Technology Envoy to the USA - to support the UK’s tech sector and further the UK’s relationship with the US tech community
• Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership - the UK has formally requested membership of the CPTPP, with the aim of boosting employment and innovation within the UK tech sector, with data flowing more freely between the UK and the CPTPP’s 11 members, including economies such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Mexico
• increasing demand for UK tech visas - expected to continue in 2021 through EU applications following the end of the Transition Period
• skills - recent reports suggesting the UK tech sector’s growth could see the skills gap narrow, as research shows an uptake in online tech training courses and over 55% of non-tech-workers considering or beginning to move into tech-based roles
• the Kalifa Review of UK FinTech - the recently published independent report by Ron Kalifa, which identifies priority areas to support continued innovation in the UK’s Fintech sector

Policy officials attending:

Places have been reserved by officials from the Department for International Trade; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; DCMS; the Department for Education; the Department for Transport; GCHQ; the Geospatial Commission; the Government Legal Department; the Government Office for Science; HM Revenue and Customs; the Home Office; the Ministry of Defence; the Ministry of Justice; the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales; and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference