Former Government minister Lord David Willetts has been appointed the first chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO).
Lord Willets’ role will be to lead a team focused on bringing emerging technologies like drones delivering medicines or AI training software for surgeons to market quickly and safely with the aim of improving lives.
His work as chair is said to be set to accelerate the rollout of drones and other autonomous vehicles to transform other industries, from faster package delivery through to groceries and takeaways being delivered to consumers’ doors.
Drones could contribute up to £45bn to the UK economy by 2030 if adopted to its full potential and is one of four fast-growing areas of technology that the RIO will support.
The other three are engineering biology, space and AI in healthcare – potentially enabling a raft of new innovations, from drought tolerant crops strengthening food security to AI-enabled cancer diagnoses.
The RIO was launched in October 2024 to cut red tape which unnecessarily impedes on new technologies coming to market and stunts growth.
“Lord Willetts brings the expertise and leadership experience that will be key to streamlining innovation and unapologetically unleash the innovation that we know can improve lives,” said Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.
“By shaping regulatory approaches in key sectors – from drones that could deliver everything from groceries to medicines through to AI-powered tools speeding up NHS diagnoses – the Regulatory Innovation Office will be a central thread running through this Government’s mission to improve lives, create jobs, and drive the economic growth across the country that is central to our Plan for Change.”
Lord Willetts’ past work includes championing the ‘Eight Great Technologies’ as Minister for Universities and Science from 2010-2014.
He helped to secure £600m in government support for sectors including space, synthetic biology, and autonomous systems.
He has also served on the boards of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the UK Space Agency for over eight years and will now set out how the Government will support businesses to create jobs, grow communities and develop innovations that transform everyday life.
Lord Willetts said: “I am honoured to take on this role at a pivotal time for the UK’s innovation landscape.
“The Regulatory Innovation Office has an exciting opportunity to shape regulatory approaches that empower new technologies, and I look forward to working alongside the team to deliver real change and support the UK’s position as a global leader in science and technology.”
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