An Emerging Tech Charter for London
In July 2020 the Mayor of London tasked the Chief Digital Officer for London and the Smart London Board to develop a set of criteria to guide emerging technology in London.
In early December 2020, a draft version of the Emerging Tech Charter has been published to gather wider views and comments. techUK have been invited to attend two workshops on the development of the Charter and members and stakeholders can share their views by emailing [email protected]. This is only the first stage of developing this Charter, with workshops taking place in 2021.
This draft Charter affirms London’s collective ambition for the development and adoption of emerging technologies that benefit London and Londoners. As a world-leading smart City Hall City Hall is actively considering how new technologies could affect how public services are delivered, support economic recovery, and improve transport and public spaces, and how we work now and into the future. Whilst ensuring that emerging technologies meet the highest standards for all Londoners, including privacy and cyber security.
A Charter for buyers and makers
With its set of principles, it is expected that the Charter will act as a guide for Londoners, as well as buyers and makers of tech for implementing technology in London in a way that will maximise the benefits to the city and Londoners. The charter also explains what innovators need to do to ensure new technologies trialed in the city meet these principles. It is intended as a resource for Londoners more generally, making clear what they can and should expect of new technology.
It states that it expects local government and public services to use the principles when buying and using new technology, and to be clear and consistent on what they expect from the tech sector and how to ask for it. While suppliers are encouraged to consider the principles in the design and development of any new technology that they are seeking to sell into the public sector, particularly technology that will be deployed in the public realm. Early engagement with the principles of this Charter will provide a strong basis for conversations with public service buyers.
Have your say on the Charter and whether the principles are fit for purpose by emailing [email protected]
Georgina Maratheftis
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services