Five industry experts have been appointed by the government to accelerate the development and deployment of emerging technology in the UK.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has set out a vision to create ‘the Silicon Valleys of the 21st Century’, with chief scientific adviser and national technology adviser Sir Patrick Vallance tasked with reviewing existing rules.
The appointed experts will look to assist him as they “work with industry to identify any barriers to innovation and getting emerging technologies to market”.
Matt Clifford, chair of the new Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), and Priya Lakhani OBE, a member of the AI Council and founding CEO of EdTech CENTURY Tech, have been appointed to support work to harness new digital technology such as artificial intelligence.
Sir John Bell, who is on Genomics England’s board of directors, and Camilla Fleetcroft, Eclevar UK’s vice-president of clinical and regulatory affairs, will work on cultivating the life sciences sector and help drive the next generation of discoveries, such as delivering genomics-enabled clinical trials.
Jane Toogood, chief executive of catalyst technologies at Johnson Matthey, will take forward work on building green industries like hydrogen and battery development in the UK.
“I want British firms to lead the world in turning fantastic science into new products and services – and we need to make sure government is doing everything we can to encourage innovation and competition,” said Hunt.
“We will show ambition… to ensure that future Silicon Valleys are based here in the UK.
“The countries that secure leadership in new technologies will lead the world, enjoying unparalleled growth, security and prosperity for decades to come – and it is our job to ensure the UK is able to fully reap the rewards.
“Sir Patrick and his team will be critical as we harness every tool at our disposal to create the industries and jobs of the future, which will deliver long-lasting benefits for local communities across the UK.”