Government launches huge 'Digital Strategy' for post-Brexit growth
Westminster announced the launch of more than four million digital skills training opportunities on Wednesday, as part of a ‘Digital Strategy’ which it hoped would encourage the launch and growth of technology-based businesses in Britain.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the Digital Skills Partnership would see government, business, charities and voluntary organisations come together to ensure people had the “right skills” for the jobs in their area and were aware of digital training opportunities on offer.
It said the government-led initiative included new commitments from a number of private sector organisations including a plan from Lloyds Banking Group to give face-to-face digital skills training to 2.5 million individuals, charities and small and medium businesses by 2020.
There were also plans from Barclays to teach basic coding to 45,000 more children and assist up to one million people with general digital skills and cyber awareness; and a pledge by Google - as part of its commitment to five hours of free digital skills for everyone - to help boost digital skills in seaside towns.
The strategy also set out plans to “empower innovative businesses” and deliver “world-class connectivity”, including the creation of five international tech hubs in emerging markets to create and develop partnerships between UK companies and local tech firms.
Those hubs would be based on the UK-Israel Tech Hub which to date has delivered more than 80 partnerships with a reported deal value of £62m.
A new competition would also be launched to spark the development of new FinTech products to support those who struggle to access financial services and provide consumers with the tools they need to manage their finances.
A commitment to create a Secretary of State-led forum for government and the tech community to work together to ignite growth in the digital economy was also announced, alongside Business Connectivity Forum, to be chaired by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to bring together business organisations, local authorities and communications providers to help businesses access fast, affordable and reliable broadband.
“The UK’s world-leading digital sectors are a major driver of growth and productivity, and we are determined to protect and strengthen them,” said Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Karen Bradley.
“This Digital Strategy sets a path to make Britain the best place to start and grow a digital business, trial a new technology, or undertake advanced research as part of the Government’s plan to build a modern, dynamic and global trading nation.
“To do that, we will work closely with businesses and others to make sure the benefits and opportunities are spread across the country so nobody is left behind.”
The strategy was welcomed by a number of relevant industries, with Direct Marketing Association managing director Rachel Aldighieri saying technology was continuing to change the lives of Britons at a rapid pace over the last 15 years, with some commentators referring to it as the ‘fourth industrial revolution’.
“Reaping the benefits of this innovation requires investment, so it is great to see the Government recognising the opportunity and putting a plan of action in place to keep the UK at the forefront of this revolution.
“Within the creative industries we are already seeing the contribution that AI and machine learning can offer - enabling brands to better understand their customers and offer them a more interesting, relevant and useful experience.”
Aldighieri said she believes that innovative technology would be one of the key drivers of the UK’s continued economic growth post-Brexit.
“To see this success come to fruition we need the Government’s commitment to further develop skills and infrastructure, so we welcome today’s announcement.”