Chancellor chooses tech for growth in her second Mais Lecture
On 17 March, the Chancellor gave her second Mais Lecture. The lecture was heavily trailed in the Spring Forecast as when the Chancellor would outline the government’s economic thinking.
We welcome the Chancellor’s focus on the tech sector as a key pillar of the government’s plan for productivity-led economic growth, a plan which looks to couple the strong fundamentals of the UK tech sector with the government support necessary to turbocharge tech-led economic and public service renewal.
The lecture also comes the day after new polling from techUK shows that 85% of non-tech business agree that the digital sector plays a significant role in UK economic growth and that 62% of non-tech businesses have identified the adoption of technologies like AI as a key priority for the coming years.
Notably, the Chancellor
Defended the government’s record and doubled down on her belief in tech-driven growth;
Announced a new £2.5 billion investment in AI and quantum technology;
Committed to boosting AI adoption in Britain’s economy and public services with the ambition for the UK to have the fastest rate of AI adoption in the G7 to boost productivity.
techUK's full analysis is below.
The Chancellor’s Lecture: what was in it for tech?
The Chancellor’s lecture sought to restate the government’s belief in ‘securonomics’, the subject of Rachel Reeves’ first Mais lecture delivered whilst shadow chancellor in 2024, and outline the role that the government wants the tech sector to play in partnership with a more active state. Reeves was clear that the sector has a crucial role to play in making the UK more secure in a world that has only grown more unstable since the global financial crisis in 2008. Reeves was also keen to point out that the government need not choose between growth, resilience and openness, but that all three must be pursued in concert with one another by an activist state.
After a defense of the government’s record, the lecture outlined what the Chancellor views as three big opportunities, requiring three big decisions, which an activist state needs to seize in collaboration with business to bring the UK the growth necessary for security and prosperity. The most important of these was seizing the opportunity enabled by advanced technology and AI.
The Chancellor announced a £2.5 billion investment in AI and quantum technologies, which shows a clear recognition of technology’s role as a key driver of growth throughout the economy. The Chancellor also recommitted to leveraging Sovereign AI to invest in UK AI companies and committed to developing the UK’s quantum compute capacity by procuring £1 billion worth of quantum compute from UK companies.
Reeves also committed to boosting AI adoption in Britain’s economy and public services, matching the private sector’s focus on the importance of AI adoption, with the ambition for the UK to have the fastest rate of AI adoption in the G7 to boost productivity. The Chancellor announced an AI Adoption Summit to be held during London Tech Week alongside CEOs and AI champions designated in the Industrial Strategy sectors. Alongside this, Reeves announced that government would use procurement and adoption in public services to support AI companies; and also pledged to establish an AI Economics Institute to join the AI Security Institute in understanding the full economic impact of AI on the future of work.
The activist state will be focusing on providing support for all factors of production, and the AI Skills Boost techUK is proud to be a part of was cited as an activist effort to make ten million workers AI ready.
Reeves did not just focus on supporting AI, she also outlined how the government would support new businesses to start, scale and stay in the UK. Support was cited for accessing capital, accessing talent and improving regulation to support British scaleups, with AI Growth Labs, a new approach to cross-economy sandboxing that enables time-limited regulatory modifications to test deployments of emerging technologies. Regulation based on rapid, temporary amendments to help new tech, cited as an example of support scaleups could expect from the activist state.
Scale-ups were cited not just as being engines of innovation for a growing and successful UK economy, but also as an essential part of ‘sovereign edge’ capability to make the British economy more resilient in a changing world.
The other pillars cited by the Chancellor were both areas where tech can, and does, play a part. Reeves announced plans to devolve new City Investment Funds, worth £2.3bn, to city regions in the North and West Midlands to invest in local strengths. This is part of a wider review of the fiscal balance between Whitehall and England’s regions to be completed by the next budget, with the aim of securing a transfer of the tax take to local regions. The Chancellor also announced direct intervention in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor with £2.5bn in new rail and reservoirs, the expansion of Luton Airport, and the creation of Greater Oxford Development Corporation, with landowners obstructing development to possibly face compulsory purchases.
Internationally, the Chancellor cited the UK-EU relationship as the UK’s closest and most economically-important partnership. The Chancellor outlined where and how the UK will decide to align with the EU in regulatory terms, with the focus being on ensuring regulatory alignment produces jobs, creates resilience and secures growth. The Chancellor declared the government would be making the argument that an activist state must work in partnership with the EU, and outlined talks with EU and NATO allies such as the Netherlands and Finland, to collaborate on procurement and defence financing.
Analysis – what this means for the tech sector
techUK welcomes the government’s clear focus on tech as a pillar of its economic growth strategy, which matches the mood of the private sector. This reflects the reality that tech is indispensable to the modern British economy’s growth, its productivity and its resilience.
The Chancellor’s focus on this triptych of growth, security and openness was particularly interesting. At techUK’s 2026 Policy Conference, held one day before the lecture, panellists had discussed how economic resilience and sovereignty could not equal autarky. The lecture made clear this would not be the case. We welcome that the Chancellor consciously stated the UK could not turn inward, and that it needed to remain connected to parters in the EU and in the wider world to ensure the UK economy grows in a resilient manner. Just as Reeves argued that the UK finds economic growth and resilience in the partnerships between the central state, local government and the private sector, so will the partnerships between the UK and its friends internationally will further support British growth and resilience.
This direction of travel is the correct direction. If the government’s plan can build on the foundations for success are already in place, then businesses have high confidence that the UK tech sector will outperform international competitors over the next decade. The investment in the Oxford-Cambridge arc is a welcome step to invest in some of the UK’s most tech-intensive areas, while efforts to allow Combined Authority Mayors to invest can ensure the growth of the tech sector across the UK.
The prize is there for the UK to take, and delivery of the plan set out today in the Chancellor’s Mais Lecture would be a significant step forward in doing so.
"The UK is remarkably well placed to compete in the next wave of technological innovation that will reshape the global economy. The Chancellor’s announcements in her Mais Lecture - including a £2.5 billion investment in AI and quantum computing - show clear recognition of technology’s role as a key driver of growth, and will be welcomed by tech businesses for both their ambition and practical focus.
The UK has a strong opportunity to lead globally in tech, but this will require better alignment between energy policy and its technology ambitions, as well as a practical, pro-innovation approach to AI and copyright.
If these pieces fall into place, the foundations for success are already set: businesses have high confidence that the UK tech sector can outperform international competitors over the next decade. The prize is there for the UK to take, and the plan set out today in the Chancellor’s Mais lecture is a significant step forward."
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
She holds over seven years of Government Affairs and Tech Policy experience in the US and UK. Kir previously headed up the regulatory portfolio at a UK advocacy group for tech startups and held various public affairs in US tech policy. All involved policy research and campaigns on competition, artificial intelligence, access to data, and pro-innovation regulation.
Kir has an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London and a BA in both Political Science (International Relations) and Economics from the University of California San Diego.
Outside of techUK, you are likely to find her attempting studies at art galleries, attempting an elusive headstand at yoga, mending and binding books, or chasing her dog Maya around South London's many parks.
Programme Manager ‑ Quantum and Digital Twins, techUK
Sara Duodu
Programme Manager ‑ Quantum and Digital Twins, techUK
Sara joined techUK in October 2025 as Programme Manager for Quantum and Digital Twins.
Before joining techUK, Sara worked at Capital Enterprise as Research Lead, where she focused on policy research related to the UK’s startup ecosystem. During her time there, she co-authored a flagship report unpacking what quantum startups in the UK need to grow and stay in the UK.
Sara holds a Master of Global Affairs (Innovation Policy & Global Security) from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, and an MA (History) and a BA (History & Political Science) from the University of Western Ontario.
Outside of work, Sara enjoys reading, playing rugby, and watching any and all sports.
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Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
Nimmi Patel is the Associate Director of Policy at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of the Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre’s research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers, and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She also took part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme and is the Education and Skills Policy Co-lead for Labour in Communications.
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over seven years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Jake has been the Policy Manager for Skills and Future of Work since May 2022, supporting techUK's work to empower the UK to skill, attract and retain the brightest global talent, and prepare for the digital transformations of the future workplace.
Previously, Jake was the Programme Assistant for Policy. He joined techUK in March 2019 and has also worked across the EU Exit, International Trade, and Cloud, Data Analytics and AI programmes.
He also holds an MA in International Relations from the University of Sussex, as well as a BA(Hons) in International Politics from Aberystwyth University. During his time at Aberystwyth University, he won the International Politics Dissertation Prize.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
