Tag: Department for Science Innovation and Technology

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 August 2023.

A potential £160 million scheme to fund next generation of satellite communications development and boost UK’s leadership in ever-growing global satellite market.

British innovators working to revolutionise 5G and broadband coverage for every corner of the UK could be in line to secure up to £160 million from a scheme to deliver the next generation of high-tech satellites, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan announced today.

LEO satellites represent the next generation of space technology, offering unparalleled resilience and resistance to disabling attempts. Their vital importance was demonstrated during Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, when they ensured continuous and reliable connectivity, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit scheme (CLEO) would build on our country’s established and growing satellites industry by providing UK researchers and businesses with critical support to drive the development of new constellations.

This would include supporting smarter satellites with better hardware, using AI to make data delivery faster and connecting satellites together for improved connection – all creating interconnected networks serving billions worldwide. The proposed scheme would ensure UK businesses are supported in developing the next generation of low Earth orbit satellites, driving the UK’s thriving satellite industry towards global leadership.

The development would mark the UK’s most significant ever investment in satellite communications, unleashing our country’s potential to become global giants of the satellite industry while creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs to boost the Prime Minister’s priority of growing our economy.

This package would be complemented by a range of live 5G integration projects such as the 5G testing facility at ESCAT in Harwell, Oxfordshire, aiming to establish networks in underserved and remote areas, bringing high-speed internet and connections to every single part of the UK, while addressing a major priority to improve Future Telecoms, as laid out in the government’s Science and Technology Framework.

Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, said:

Tackling the digital divide is at the heart of empowering our citizens wherever they live, and by investing in the vital research and development that CLEO would facilitate, we can level up our country while growing the economy through high-quality jobs.

This proposed record investment is also potentially a huge opportunity to harness our reputation as a world leader in innovation and R&D investment, supporting leading UK businesses to deliver the next generation of satellites and positioning the UK as true space superpower.

To propel the UK’s capabilities and long-term ambitions in the space sector, the government is exploring grant funding of up to £100 million. The government is also exploring whether to support this grant funding with an additional £60 million from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) UK-backed Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, which supports UK industry in delivering commercial satellite communications infrastructure. The scheme would establish UK leadership in many critical areas for the next generation of LEO satellite communication technologies such as AI and machine learning.

CLEO would aim to deliver the R&D needed to support the launch of hundreds of satellites into space, revolutionising the UK’s communication infrastructure and closing connectivity gaps.

Harshbir Sangha, Missions and Capabilities Delivery Director at the UK Space Agency, said:

Today’s announcement is a vital step towards the delivery of a key priority of the UK Space Agency – to maximise the potential of low Earth orbit and become a global leader in next generation satellite communications technologies by building our ability to service future high-volume constellations.

Our intent is to catalyse investment, build on existing capabilities and meet the challenges associated with seizing a significant share of a fast-moving global market, by leveraging our growing national space programme and leading investments in commercial ESA programmes such as ARTES.

This announcement follows the reintroduction of the government’s National Space Council, as part of the UK’s mission to become a true space superpower. Co-chaired by the Science and Defence Secretaries, the Council is responsible for coordinating government policy on space and ensuring that the UK is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the space sector to drive job creation and grow the economy, one of the Prime Minister’s 5 key priorities.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 August 2023.

New Geospatial Commission report identifies opportunities to unlock greater value across the property ecosystem through location data, technologies and services.

The Geospatial Commission has identified opportunities where improved data and use of location services and applications can unlock innovation across the property ecosystem in a new report published today (1 August).

The UK property sector is undergoing a technological revolution, rapidly adopting new data-driven digital tools. Location data, services and applications are central to this revolution and essential for a well-functioning property sector, from town planning and site identification to property management and retrofitting.

The UK property sector contributes an estimated £100 billion to the UK economy each year. Applying a spatial lens is crucial to achieve the sector’s economic, social and environmental ambitions, boosting productivity and innovation, improving our residential areas and achieving net zero commitments.

Alexandra Notay, Independent Commissioner, Geospatial Commission said:

The property ecosystem provides the infrastructure of where we live, work and play. However, many of our interactions with the industry from planning to buying, renting and maintenance, remain stubbornly analogue.

We can all see the transformative potential and multitude of opportunities for the property industry to embrace emerging technologies and digital tools empowered by location data; yet a truly systematic approach to innovation and technology across our diverse and siloed asset classes and property types has yet to emerge. This report can be a catalyst for enabling that change.

The report highlights some key initiatives already underway across the property sector and identifies further opportunities where location data, services and applications can drive innovation across the property life cycle, including:

• Further digitisation of the property buying and selling process and ensuring data interoperability underpins the end-to-end process
• Growing deployment of green technologies, like solar panels, heat pumps, insulation and energy efficiency solutions, into our homes by supporting better understanding of where they could have the greatest impact
• Improving productivity in the industry through greater re-use of location data collected and created during design and construction to reduce costs, and support better targeting and design of retrofitting interventions

The report sets out four cross-cutting themes to support the better use of location data, service and applications, including property as a complex interconnected system and the importance of a strategic approach to data access. These themes arise from an understanding of the role of location data and services across different stages of the property lifecycle from land use and planning, design and construction, buying and selling, safety and operations to the broader themes of retrofit and regeneration.

Dan Hughes, Alpha Property Insight and Real Estate Data Foundation said:

The property sector is at the heart of a thriving economy, our impact on the planet and a healthy society, and the effective use of data is becoming increasingly important in ensuring that it operates effectively. The world is changing rapidly and so the depth and breadth of data used by property is growing equally fast and at the heart of this is high quality and trusted location data.

For many years, the UK has had one of the strongest property market data infrastructures which has been a key element in the UK being recognised as one of the leading global property markets. As the world evolves, it is important that the approach to data does too and so this report, and the actions identified, are very welcome to enable the property sector to meet the needs of society, the planet and the UK economy.

Lynne Nicholson, Head of Data, HM Land Registry said:

HM Land Registry was pleased to work with the Geospatial Commission on this report which outlines the immense potential value of geospatial data for the UK economy. As one of the governmental bodies which holds significant geospatial data, HM Land Registry is committed to unlocking its value and supporting its re-use by making it more FAIR, in alignment with the UK Geospatial Strategy 2030. By sponsoring the award-winning Geovation Accelerator Programme, we are supporting the next generation of innovative Proptech start-ups using location data to revolutionise the property sector.

The report is the first deliverable from the UK Geospatial Strategy 2030 that was published in June. It supports two of the Strategy’s missions: embracing enabling technologies to accelerate geospatial innovation, and driving greater use of geospatial applications and insights across the economy.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 31 July 2023.

The government has launched a £40 million fund to spark local digital revolutions and unlock 5G benefits across the UK.

Local areas across the UK will be helped to boost their digital connectivity and develop advanced wireless technologies, thanks to a new £40 million fund that could power everything from innovative healthcare solutions to futuristic farming and smart systems to improve transport and cut congestion.

From today, local and regional authorities can apply for a share of the multi-million-pound fund, designed to accelerate innovation in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, transport, agriculture and public services, helping to create better connected places across the UK.

The cash boost will create 5G Innovation Regions by awarding funding to areas that can demonstrate how they will drive the development and adoption of 5G and other technologies. This will make sure communities in towns, cities and rural areas across the UK take full advantage of the benefits advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies can provide, as well as attract commercial investment to grow the economy.

Applications of the technology could include connecting sensors that analyse and help to improve air quality by better managing traffic, and deploying 5G-enabled drones that can scan fields and crops, collecting data on weather and environmental conditions. Research shows widespread adoption of 5G could result in productivity benefits of £159 billion by 2035.

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said:

Greater adoption of 5G-powered technologies will help deliver more efficient public services, new opportunities for residents and businesses, and a boost for economic growth –  and this new fund will give local areas from across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of Britain’s world-leading 5G revolution.

5G Innovation Regions will be uniquely positioned to benefit from breaking down barriers which hinder the rollout of such technologies at a local level and this initiative offers every community the chance to gain these opportunities.

Improving connectivity through a world-class digital infrastructure is one of the core components of the government’s plans to level up every community in the UK and I encourage local areas to apply and to be ambitious in their vision for reaping the rewards of 5G.

Improved connectivity through 5G and advanced wireless technologies could have a transformative effect on local areas, providing faster, more reliable, and more secure connectivity for residents and businesses, boosting local economies and improving the delivery of public services.

The government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out how advanced wireless connectivity will underpin new and emerging innovative technologies, ranging from Artificial Intelligence to self-driving vehicles, and digital twins – virtual environments where real-world objects like buildings or wind turbines can be tested under different conditions and perfected using advanced computer simulations.

Hamish MacLeod, Chief Executive of Mobile UK, said:

Driving adoption of 5G is key to releasing the full benefits of this technology, and the government’s new £40 million fund to support Innovation Regions is an important step.

I look forward to seeing the active participation of local and regional authorities whose communities and businesses will be better positioned to realise the benefits of advanced wireless connectivity.

Advanced wireless technologies will also be key to driving the government’s ambitions to harness digital transformation to build a more inclusive, competitive and innovative digital economy, supporting the creation of good jobs in new and emerging sectors, and providing reliable high-speed connectivity for residents and businesses.

To further accelerate the adoption of 5G in key sectors ranging from transport to manufacturing, the UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) will also launch a nationwide campaign. Working alongside the 5G Innovation Regions, the campaign will bring together businesses who want to adopt 5G services with telecoms providers and vendors, helping them to understand the benefits 5G-enabled services can bring to their companies and how they can access this alternative technology.

Running until March 2025, the successful 5G Innovation Regions will be supported by government through the DSIT Future Network Programmes team and UKTIN to develop their own digital ecosystems, take advantage of new and emerging technologies, and amplify local and national activities such as Project Gigabit, Investment Zones, and devolution deals to support local digital growth. Applications will close on 3rd September, and winning bidders will be announced later this year.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 26 July 2023.

£50 million Research Ventures Catalyst to support cutting-edge research, built on partnerships with private and philanthropic investors.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 20 July 2023.

Electronic Trade Documents Act receives Royal Assent, making trade more straightforward, efficient and sustainable.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 20 July 2023.

We are seeking views on proposals for the design of regulations in relation to UK-related domain name registries.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 July 2023.

The National Space Council met for the first time today since its reinstatement as part of the UK’s mission to become a true space superpower.

The National Space Council met today (Wednesday 19 July) for the first time since its reinstatement, as part of the UK’s mission to become a true space superpower and fulfil the country’s ambition to become Europe’s leading provider of small commercial launches by 2030. This builds on the already extraordinary growth of the UK space sector, which employs almost 49,000 people and generates an income of £17.5 billion.

The Council was co-chaired by the Science and the Defence Secretaries, flanked by other Cabinet Ministers and with insights from astronaut Tim Peake, amongst other expert support. The Council also saw an exhibition of lunar rocks, brought to Earth during the Apollo missions, serving as a fitting metaphor for the UK’s ambitions to aim for the moon and beyond.

The Council will be responsible for coordinating government policy on space and ensuring that the UK is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the space sector to drive job creation and grow the economy, one of the Prime Minister’s 5 key priorities.

Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Chloe Smith said:

Space is critical to modern life: global telecoms, weather forecasting, and our national security all rely on satellites and as the importance of space grows, so must our ambitions for the UK.

Our reinstated National Space Council will ensure the government moves in lockstep with the sector to deliver our ambitions to grow the space economy. The UK is perfectly placed, whether geographically, economically or as a product of our world-class skills base, to be not only a European leader but a global power in space.

Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace said:

The war in Ukraine has highlighted just how critical space is to military operations. My department continues to work closely with DSIT to deliver the UK’s ambition for space to ensure we have the capabilities we need to protect and defend this critical domain and to exploit the opportunities it offers for operations into the future.

The meeting coincides with the release by DSIT and Ministry of Defence of a new National Space Strategy in Action, a significant milestone, which outlines the government’s commitment to the space sector and sets out a bold plan for how the UK can become a leading player in the global space race.

This publication sets out the significant progress the UK space sector has made since the launch of the joint civil-defence National Space Strategy in 2021, employing almost 49,000 people and generating an income of £17.5 billion, an increase of £1 billion from the previous year. It will also provide clarity on the direction of the sector for businesses, giving them the confidence to make long-term investment decisions.

It covers various priority areas, including:

• the development of a Space Sector Plan to promote economic growth and resilience
• the establishment of space clusters within the UK space ecosystem
• a space workforce action plan
• a review of space regulations to ensure effectiveness and innovation
• the UK’s long term approach to civil capabilities and defence highly assured capabilities for space
• progress of the Defence Space Strategy

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

The National Space Strategy in Action highlights the significant progress made towards delivering the government’s ambition to make the UK one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world.

By catalysing investment into UK businesses, increasing our involvement in major space missions and championing the power of space to improve lives, the UK Space Agency is playing a major role in accelerating the growth of the UK’s thriving space sector.

Graham Peters, Independent Chair of the Space Partnership Board said:

The ‘National Space Strategy in Action’ demonstrates that now is an exciting time as the space sector translates the national ambition into tangible actions. Great progress is already being made and the Space Partnership is delighted to be actively supporting by bringing industry, academia and government together around a range of shared priorities, including the next steps to deliver the capabilities laid out in the NSS In Action, so that the sector works collectively to deliver the National Space Strategy.

Ben Bridge, Chairman, Airbus Defence and Space UK said:

We welcome this report and commend the government on progress and commitment to further developing the space sector. We look forward to the next phase of implementing the National Space Strategy, and the publication of the Space Sector Plan, to help the government deliver on its ambitions for unlocking growth through building and expanding national space capabilities. This will enable Airbus to further engage with the wider UK space ecosystem and extend our network of suppliers and interaction with SMEs across the country.

Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO, Viasat said:

I’m glad to support the United Kingdom’s goals within the National Space Strategy to unlock economic growth, investment, trade and scientific opportunities in the New Space Age. Viasat believes the emerging industry-led Space Sustainability Standard will be an essential part of achieving these goals. Actively managing use of our shared and finite resources – both orbital and spectrum – is the only way to keep space accessible. Accessibility is crucial for continued growth and innovation by as many participants in the global space economy as possible, including in the UK.

Alongside this milestone report, the government is today publishing brand new research that argues the ‘Case for Space’, capturing the economic value of space and the benefits it brings to the UK. Findings have demonstrated the positive impact of space activities on various industries, from the government’s investment of over £80 million in space weather forecasting, and leveraging position, navigation, and timing for emergency services, to utilising earth observation (EO) capabilities in the farming and food industry.

These announcements come hot on the heels of the recent Space Sustainability Symposium hosted by Minister Freeman last month, that brought together leading figures from the space industry, finance and academia to discuss a sustainable future for space and how the government can tackle the imminent threat of junk satellites in our atmosphere.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 17 July 2023.

Emran Mian CB OBE will join the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as Director General for Digital, Technology and Telecoms.

Emran joins from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities where he has served as Director General for Regeneration, Housing and Planning and brings with him a wealth of experience in government having worked across Whitehall, including at the then Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Education.

He will take over the role previously held by Susannah Storey, following her appointment as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). As Director General, Emran will oversee Government’s relationship with regulators Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office as well as executive agency Building Digital UK. He will oversee the rollout of Project Gigabit, the government’s flagship £5 billion programme which will enable hard-to-reach communities right across the UK to access lightning-fast broadband. This will ensure over 85% of premises are connected to Gigabit capable broadband by 2025.

Emran will also play a central role in preparations for the upcoming global summit on artificial intelligence (AI) later this year. The summit will agree targeted, rapid, international action to develop the international guardrails needed for the safe and responsible development of AI.

He will also lead on investing in the government’s supercomputing capability, driving economic growth through digital markets and reforming data rights laws to boost productivity, whilst also working with Ofcom to support the introduction of the new online safety regulatory framework, following the passage of the Online Safety Bill.

Permanent Secretary for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Sarah Munby said:

I am delighted to welcome Emran Mian as Director General for the Digital, Technology and Telecoms group at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Emran joins us at a pivotal moment for the Department and brings with him valuable experience from across Government and beyond which will position him well to lead us as we continue to carve out our position as a global tech superpower.

The press release issued by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology on 6 July 2023.

The UK has become the first country in the world to be granted Associate status in the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum.

The UK has become the first country in the world to be granted Associate status in the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum. The Forum works to support international data transfers between member countries, safeguarding standards on data protection and privacy.

Associate status in the Forum presents the UK with an opportunity to help drive co-operation with member nations including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Australia on international data flows.

International data transfers and the need to move both customer and company details from one country to another are an inescapable part of modern global business transactions. In 2021, 93% of the UK’s services exports were data-enabled, meaning the trusted flow of data between countries is rapidly becoming an important contributor to economic growth. A practical approach is therefore an important focus for the government, as it works to help shape a global system which can encourage new innovations while ensuring the security of personal data as it moves across borders.

Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Sir John Whittingdale, said:

The UK’s association with the Global CBPR Forum is an important step in building a practical and functional system for global data transfers.

The safety and security of personal data as it moves between countries is paramount, so it’s vital that we work with our key international partners to design solutions that work for everyone.

The UK already has high data protection standards in place when it comes to international transfers, and we look forward to sharing our approach on the global stage alongside the CBPR Forum.

The Global CBPR system is a government-backed data privacy certification programme that companies can join to demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised data privacy protections. Many large multinational businesses have already been certified under the framework including Apple, IBM, and Mastercard, and it is one of the very few bodies which supports the secure flow of data across multiple countries, removing barriers and working towards a universal set of data transfer standards.

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has seized the opportunity through the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill to create a new UK data rights regime. The legislation reduces burdens on business, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, and unlocks new avenues for innovation across science and technology.

In April 2022, the CBPR Forum was expanded beyond the Asia-Pacific region, and the UK is now the first jurisdiction to be accepted as an Associate, a new membership status recently created by the group.

Before the UK’s official involvement was confirmed, in April the UK co-hosted a Forum workshop in London alongside the United States to explore how the CBPR system can be strengthened to work alongside the data privacy regimes of different countries.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 5 July 2023.

The government has launched public call for information on the uses and security of private telecoms networks in the UK.

The government has today (5 July 2023) launched a public call for information on the uses and security of private telecoms networks in the UK. These are networks that provide bespoke services to closed user groups and are different to public telecoms networks, which supply a standard service to individuals or businesses, relying on common infrastructure.

The call for information will help the government develop its understanding of the private telecoms market, including the technologies being deployed, the sectors using these networks, and the security measures taken to protect them. This information will be used to determine if any government intervention is required to promote the security and resilience of private telecoms networks.

The call for information will be open for 10 weeks and closes on 13 September 2023.

Read further details, including how to submit a response to the Private Telecommunications Networks: call for information.

While anyone can respond to it, the government would particularly welcome responses from telecoms providers, businesses that currently procure, or are planning to procure, and use private telecoms networks, and consultants, contractors, or academics involved in the industry.