Insights

The International AI Safety Report 2026 has been released today on 3 February 2026, marking the second iteration of the most comprehensive global assessment of artificial intelligence capabilities, risks, and safety measures.

Read Jocelyn Paulley, Partner at Gowling WLG's guest blog on the essentials of implementing AI in your business.

The FCA has opened applications for the second cohort for their AI Live Testing service which offers firms the opportunity to test AI systems in live market conditions with regulatory support. Applications are open until 2 March 2026.

Barnsley has been named the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town, with plans to roll out AI across public services, skills, healthcare and local business as part of a place-based regeneration approach. Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the initiative aims to demonstrate how AI adoption can improve local services, build skills and support regional growth.

The Westcott Space Hub has officially been opened in Buckinghamshire. Backed by £5.8 million of UK Space Agency funding and £15 million in match funding, this facility will support small and medium-sized businesses, major industry players, academia and others in the local space ecosystem to collaborate.

Catch up on the SPF's Public Protection and Disaster Relief cluster event chaired by Bob Stewart, University of Strathclyde and UK SPF Cluster 2 Chair.

The British Standards Institution explores how cyber incidents highlight weaknesses in interconnected supply chains and what leaders can do next.

techUK is keeping track of the 2026 updates to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. A full summary of all the announcements this month is forthcoming.

Read how Intralink's Stewart Randall identifies frontier tech opportunities in China during the UK PM's trade visit.

Nigel Brokenshire re-elected as chair and Alex Eavis re-elected as vice-chair of the techUK Life Sciences Working Group

This month's Talking 5 guest is Gurdip Sodhi, Local Government Lead at Salesforce

The United Kingdom and China have announced a new services partnership intended to support UK businesses operating in China, including a commitment by Beijing to extend visa-free access for short stays. 

This piece examines how technology is shaping a new era of policing reform, highlighting the role of digital tools in modernising capability and delivery. It sets out the opportunities and considerations for using technology to support effective, accountable policing.

The government is seeking views on the opportunities and challenges associated with secure AI infrastructure, aiming to inform future policy and decision making. The call for views invites input on how infrastructure can support the safe, secure and effective deployment of AI technologies.

techUK’s Life Sciences Working Group is pleased to share its 2026 priorities and work programme – a member driven plan shaped through nominations, consultation and a strategic planning session held at the end of 2025.

A new national centre to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by police forces has been announced, with technology taking a key role in police reform plans.

Ofcom has launched a new consultation exploring the impact that the adoption of artificial intelligence could have on the experience of telecoms customers. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in communications services, the consultation aims to understand how these technologies are being used today, the benefits they may offer to people and businesses, and the risks or challenges that could require regulatory attention. 

Read this guest blog by Michael Green, Managing Director at Databricks, on why investment in training and upskilling is the key to the UK’s AI success.

This piece explores discussions from Davos 2026 on building resilience through nature-based solutions and renewable energy, highlighting key themes and perspectives. It reflects on how these approaches can support long-term sustainability, resilience and economic transition.

Government and industry programme expands to provide 10 million workers with key AI skills by 2030. During London Tech Week 2025, UK government announced a new government-industry partnership to upskill and train 7.5 million UK workers in essential skills to use AI by 2030, equivalent to around 20% of the UK workforce.

techUK is keeping track of the 2026 updates to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. A full summary of all the announcements this month is forthcoming. 

The NHS has announced the next phase of its supply chain engagement, setting out plans to work more closely with suppliers on future priorities and delivery. The update outlines how engagement will support efficiency, resilience and long-term improvement across the supply chain.

techUK is keeping track of the 2026 updates to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. A full summary of all the announcements this month is forthcoming. For the latest moving forward, please subscribe to our AI newsletter.

techUK is keeping track of the 2026 updates to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. A full summary of all the announcements this month is forthcoming.Today, the government has announced a £36 million investment to upgrade the DAWN supercomputer at the University of Cambridge, aimed at increasing its computing power sixfold and significantly expanding access to high-performance AI compute in the UK.

The workshops are open to techUK members working on the development, deployment, governance, and adoption of agentic AI. Each workshop will run as a 90 minute, in-person session hosted at techUK. Sessions will split thematically as follows:   

Read our summary of and reaction to the UK government's white paper and its ambitious agenda to redesign the water sector

The government have finally published an impact statement of the 10 Year Health Plan. It is fair to say that this falls short of an implementation plan, as there remains a lack of timelines and financial frameworks included to work from and measure impact.

On Tuesday 20 January, techUK hosted a webinar for both new and long-standing members, offering an introduction to the many ways organisations can engage with the Cyber Resilience Programme and get real value from their membership.

techUK is delighted to announce the members of the Digital Twins Council for the January 2026 to January 2028 tenure.

On 21 January, the EU Commission published its much anticipated Digital Networks Act (DNA). The Act aims to update the EU’s network rules to further enable innovative technology like AI and Cloud

Guest blog by Murtaza Masood, Vice President and Managing Director, Public Sector, Box

Read our in-depth round-up from the AI Vision to Value Conference to explore the key discussions on AI adoption, regulatory frameworks, talent development, and the UK's strategic position in the global AI landscape.

The Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) has unveiled two new priority areas in its mission to identify and remove outdated rules which hold back technologies with the potential to drive UK growth and improve lives.

techUK’s winter supplier summit brought together senior leaders from government and industry to take stock of progress on digital reform and, crucially, to focus on what comes next. With strategic direction now well established, the conversation has shifted decisively toward delivery, collaboration and execution at scale.

Discover what techUK achieved for its data centre members in 2025

Read this guest blog by Verity Egerton-Doyle (Antitrust & Foreign Investment Partner, UK Co-Head of Technology Sector, and Co-Head of Games and Interactive Entertainment at Linklaters) and Lisa Chang (Corporate Partner and UK Co-Head of Technology Sector at Linklaters) on UK Tech Legal Outlook 2026: Navigating AI-led growth with converging regulatory and operational risks

On the 19 January techUK convened industry leaders for a briefing on the progress of the NHS England Single Patient Record.

On 20 January 2026, the EU Commission released a new Cybersecurity legislative proposal

On Tuesday 13 January, techUK held a workshop with the new GDS Local team from the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The event highlighted the tech sector’s commitment to working with local and central government to drive innovation, digitisation, and more efficient public services.

The Scottish Budget 2026–27 sets out the government’s spending and investment priorities, outlining how funding will be allocated across key policy areas. It provides context on fiscal decisions and their implications for public services, the economy and future delivery.

techUK calls for the Bill to embed a tech-focussed, pro-competition mindset in UK rail

Findings from DSIT study highlight gaps in evidence on how tech affects children’s mental health, and sets out where research could have the most impact.

We are collecting case studies from companies that have supported councils or other public sector bodies in delivering mergers, to showcase best practice.

This roadmap sets out a clear direction for delivering modern digital government, outlining priorities for improving public services, capability and outcomes. It provides a shared framework to guide long-term digital transformation across government.

techUK is delighted to announce the members of the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Council for the January 2026 to January 2028 tenure.

Welcome to this week’s update on the fast-moving world of global trade, digital policy, and transatlantic relations. Here’s what’s shaping the global agenda right now. 

The India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi represents a pivotal moment in the global AI dialogue, marking the first time this summit series will be hosted in a developing economy.

The UK’s conversation on children’s online safety has reached a critical moment. As political attention turns once again to proposals for a blanket ban on social media use for under-16s, it is vital that policy decisions are guided by evidence, not popularity.

See upcoming events, opportunities, news, and updates from techUK's International Trade Programme… 

The Liverpool City Region is seeking AI leaders and innovators to help inform and shape the responsible use of AI, supporting regional priorities and public benefit. The initiative aims to bring together expertise from across the sector to guide future activity and collaboration around AI for good.

In March, techUK’s TechTogether campaign will return, following the great success of our 2025 campaign and the ongoing DEI work that techUK and our members have been championing.

Read our insight on the UK Government's announcement of the offshore wind results for Allocation Round 7 (AR7)

ETSI has published a new European standard aimed at strengthening cyber security for artificial intelligence systems, setting out requirements to improve resilience and trust. The standard provides a common framework to help organisations address cyber risks associated with AI technologies.

Guest blog by Jocelyn S Paulley, Partner, Co-leader of Retail & Leisure Sector (UK) and Co-leader of Data Protection and Cyber Security sector (UK) at Gowling WLG

Last week, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published its Tech Futures report on agentic AI, setting out its thoughts on how the technology may develop and be used in the coming years. 

techUK is seeking evidence to inform its response to the MHRA consultation on AI regulation, gathering views from across the sector on key challenges and considerations. Submissions will help shape industry input into how AI technologies are regulated within medicines and healthcare.

The National Technology Board is convening an industry roundtable to inform its work on technology priorities, bringing together perspectives from across the sector to support future policy direction. This expression of interest invites organisations to contribute insight and expertise to help shape the discussion.

Get involved in our upcoming Human Rights campaign week

Ofcom has issued a statement outlining decisions for authorising Wi-Fi and mobile services in the Upper 6 GHz band.

Guest blog by Aingaran Pillai, founder of Zaizi

In a recent market engagement roundtable hosted by techUK, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) shared its vision for a new Planning and Supply Chain Solution (PSCS) to strengthen resilience, improve operational efficiency, and ensure continuity of critical services. The session explored NHSBT’s objectives, procurement approach, and opportunities for industry collaboration ahead of a future tender.

Baroness Ruth Porter, Managing Director at FGS Global, explores the gap between UK public sentiment and leadership optimism on AI, and what's needed to build broader support and democratic engagement.

Get involved with our diversity, equity, and inclusion campaign month, happening throughout March 2026.

This May, TechUK is convening a four-part workshop series designed to support the successful implementation of DSIT's Trusted Third Party Assurance roadmap. As the UK works to strengthen its leading AI assurance ecosystem and build confidence in third-party assurance mechanisms, this series will bring together the voices and expertise needed to turn vision into reality.

This April, techUK is launching an essential four-part webinar series followed by a whitepaper exploring the role of AI across our nation's critical infrastructure sectors. As AI technologies evolve, understanding their applications, risks, and opportunities in the systems that underpin modern society has never been more important.

The government has set out refreshed plans to strengthen cyber security across the public sector, outlining new expectations, priorities and areas of focus for organisations delivering digital services.

Catch up on this workshop to explore the role of regulation and technology in preventing jamming and the policy developments required to protect systems from malicious attacks

A look back at the priorities, partnerships and progress that shaped 2025. Highlights from a year of collaboration across health and social care.

Meet the Data Centre Council for the 2026-2028 term

Guest blog by Matt Polega, Co-Founder and Managing Director UK at Mark43

Read our insight on the roundtable bringing together C-suite and Director level industry leaders across financial institutions, technology providers, consultancies, and data and AI specialists.

Innovate UK have published the results for their State of Innovation 2025 Report, providing insights from UK businesses across the innovation landscape. 

Catch up on our webinar exploring the impact of the Digital Phone Switchover in Scotland

Guest blog by Maria Timson, Health Technology Consultant at Aire Logic

Read this guest blog by Dr Harry Thirkettle as he explains why visionary leadership is vital to realising the NHS Medium Term Planning Framework’s ambition to empower local leaders, drive digital transformation and improve care for patients and communities.

Lee Larter, UK Pre‑Sales Director at Dell Technologies, explores how photonics and compound intelligence are driving innovation and shaping the future of defence.

In December, techUK hosted a major supplier broadcast session with the New Hospital Programme (NHP), bringing together industry and NHS stakeholders to explore how digital technology will underpin the next generation of hospitals.

Read our in‑depth round‑up from the ninth annual Digital Ethics Summit to explore the key discussions on AI assurance, human‑centred innovation, and the challenges shaping digital ethics in 2025 and beyond.

techUK UK hosted a roundtable on “Where Are the Women in the UK Semiconductor Sector? Pathways for Careers in Semiconductors.” Read the full insight.

On Wednesday 10 December, techUK’s Cyber SME Forum held a webinar looking at how industry can achieve ISO/IEC 27001 certification.

On 16 December 2025, the UK government published the UK Security Export Statistics 2024, outlining the latest trends in the security sector’s international sales. The report highlights cyber security as the dominant segment of UK security exports, underlining its expanding global importance.

Applications to the award-winning "Empowering Women to Lead Cyber Security" initiative have launched and will be closing in February for their Spring 2026 season of regional programmes around the UK, and techUK is delighted to again be an official Supporting Organisation.

See upcoming events, opportunities, news, and updates from techUK's International Trade Programme… 

The government has published its new Freedom from Violence and Abuse Strategy, setting out a ten-year, cross-government approach to tackling violence against women and girls and child sexual abuse. The strategy outlines new commitments on prevention, policing, victim support and the responsible use of technology, with clear implications for industry and public services.

Welcome to this week’s update on the fast-moving world of global trade, digital policy, and transatlantic relations. Here’s what’s shaping the global agenda right now. 

techUK has sent a letter, backed by other trade associations including RenewableUK, REA, Energy UK, CBI, Make UK, and ADE, to the Treasury Committee Chair calling for an inquiry into energy bill levy reform.

This has been an unprecedented year for cyber security in the UK. The Cyber Resilience programme has worked closely with members to ensure industry is kept informed on the national conversations taking place across the sector. This Year in Review provides a snapshot of our activity throughout 2025.

Overview of the Pall Mall Process and consultation

On Thursday 18th December the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT)’s AI Security Institute (AISI) announced the publication of its inaugural Frontier AI Trends Report. 

Defence Programme Manager Jeremy Wimble looks back at the changes to UK Defence in 2025.

Following sustained calls from techUK, the UK rejoins Erasmus+.

Today UKRI announced budget allocations for the spending review period which includes over £1 billion for quantum technologies.

Get involved with our sustainability work in 2026!

AI is transforming business, but governance is lagging. Shoosmiths’ Technology & AI Partners, Alex Kirkhope and Sarah Reynolds, explore why embedding compliance into strategy is critical for resilience and growth.

Read this guest blog by S. Asieh H. Tabaghdehi from Brunel University London on AI Hype, Economic Reality, and the Future of Work.

Catch up on the innovations driving practical emissions reduction across IT, manufacturing, industrial operations, and corporate sustainability.

The AI in Public Procurement Panel Session on 24 November 2025, convened government and industry leaders to discuss the adoption of AI in public sector buying. Panellists were government representatives Constandina Kakaras (Ministry of Defence) and Roberto Troiolo (Home Office Commercial) hosted by techUK CGC procurement workstream leads Anna Inman and Eve Upton.

Read how Thames Laboratories transformed its mobile engineering operations with AI, automating job scheduling, reducing travel time, cutting carbon emissions, and improving service for over 150 clients across the UK.

Guest blog by Afshin Attari, Senior Director of Public Sector at Exponential-e

Guest blog by Pete England, Product Director at ITS

Read the round-up from our ninth annual Digital Ethics Summit.

Hello and a very warm welcome to the first knowledge sharing and collaboration blog from the techUK Central Government Council.

Our Director of Technology and Innovation joins prestigious Taskforce.

Read our summary of DESNZ and Ofgem’s Connections Action Plan and NESO’s TMO4+ reforms.

Have your say! Who do you think should be on the JESMC 2026/2027? Vote now – you only have until 9 January at 17:00

Guest blog by Barley Laing, the UK Managing Director at Melissa

Horizon Europe’s European Innovation Council (EIC) Work Programme for 2026 has now been published, opening calls for UK applications following the European Commission’s adoption of the programme which offers over €1.4 billion in funding opportunities for strategic technologies and innovative companies.

Ofcom’s first assessment since the Online Safety Act came into force highlights early progress, remaining gaps, and what businesses should expect in 2026. 

Before we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to celebrate everything we have achieved together through the 2025 Justice and Emergency Services Programme.

Consultancy Intralink urges innovators to act now to steal march on competitors 

Guest blog by Peter Clapton, CEO at Vysiion

Digital transformation is no longer a future ambition for health and social care,it is a present necessity. As the NHS faces increasing demand, workforce pressures, and the need for more personalised, efficient services, technology offers a critical pathway to reform and revitalisation.

On the 3 December, we held our annual Future Gazing event. Local government experts reflected on trends that shaped the sector over the last year and made predictions of how technology will shape the future of local government in 2026.

Ahead of the start of the new CCA scheme on 1 January 2026, DESNZ issued a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document in response to recently received queries.

Guest blog by Emily Douglin, Executive Director – Local Government at Civica #LocalGovTransformation

Last month, techUK brought together leading voices from the legal and technology sectors to explore how AI is transforming legal services. The event featured practical insights, real-world case studies, and frank discussions about both opportunities and challenges in AI adoption.

Guest blog by Martin Taylor, Co-Founder and Deputy CEO at Content Guru #LocalGovTransformation

Guest blog by Dan Coldicott, Senior Account Manager at Condatis #LocalGovTransformation

Around 80 schemes to benefit from DSIT funding.

The event showcased the committee’s achievements and highlighted the progress made across the three strategic priorities - AI, digital skills and procurement. It also celebrated advances in the VAWG and RASSO space and digital interoperability, while fostering open discussion about future directions and lessons learned.

Read this guest blog by Darter on AI in UK Public Services: Smarter Delivery Starts with Smarter Strategy.

In November 2025, we hosted the sixth session of the Interoperability in Justice and Public Safety forum chaired by Simon Hall and Robert Leach. The session included contributions from Milan Bollegala (PDS) and Scot Dunn (Humberside Police) on the development of the PDS Interoperability Handbook and maturity assessment, as well as discussions on supplier engagement, technical standards, and cross-sector integration.

techUK is excited to announce that members can now nominate themselves for our Digital Twins Steering Board. 

Guest blog by Afsha Zeb, Cyber GRC Engineer at Salford City Council #LocalGovTransformation

Guest blog by Rachel Astall, Chief Customer Officer at Beam #LocalGovTransformation

Guest blog by Toby Barnard, Managing Director; Public Sector at QA #LocalGovTransformation

Guest blog by Afshin Attari, Senior Director of Public Sector at Exponential-e #DigitalLocalGov

Quantum technologies are shifting from frontier science to real-world applications.

On the 4 December, the City of London Police launched a new service to replace ‘Action Fraud’: ‘Report Fraud’.

Following a public consultation, Ofcom has announced its decision to enable Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services in the UK ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).

Guest blog by Tom Morton, Founder of Archangel Cloud

The Life Sciences Strategy for Scotland sets out a long-term vision to grow a world-leading, innovation-driven sector by 2035. This update highlights the strategy’s priorities, its focus on collaboration across industry and government, and the opportunities it creates for advancing health, research and economic growth.

techUK was pleased to host a webinar on preparing for post-quantum cryptography migration, bringing together members to share insights and expertise on this rapidly evolving topic.

Discover more about Pragmatic Semiconductors and how they're driving innovation.