Launching techUK's Blockchain campaign: What does Blockchain mean for the UK?

Distributed ledger technology is an emerging enterprise solution that has the potential to enable and support innovation in the UK; create solutions such as smart contracts, and proof of certification, identity, authenticity or compliance, and establish trust for value and information exchanges. However, stories and representation of blockchain in recent years has meant that long-term industry adoption of blockchain is not fully understood, and potentially mistrusted. As such, we believe techUK has a role to play in mitigating misconceptions and defining the long-term scope of blockchain in the UK.

techUK believe the development of this technology, which is already in use in many sectors and companies such as supply chains, energy and central government, could foster greater collaboration and efficiency for UK businesses. We are also aware that key challenges need to be discussed – from sustainability to security in deployment

techUK’s technology and Innovation programme are excited to launch a new blockchain campaign, blockchain reimagined, that will explore the potential uses of blockchain in other sectors and markets as well as demonstrating and showcasing how blockchain could play a role in supporting the UK economy through COVID-19 and beyond

In the coming months, techUK will be bringing together the technology sector, key stakeholders, policy makers and the wider business community to discuss and explore how blockchain could be a  key technology in the UK for what comes next; how we can create a thriving blockchain industry and market for new products and services; and how the UK can be a place for the development of blockchain development, adoption and use.

 Through industry driven events, roundtables, podcasts and webinars techUK will explore issues, and uncover areas, that that will be key to the development and repositioning of blockchain, including:

• Challenging misconceptions and redefining what blockchain means to UK businesses
• Exploring best practices of blockchain adoption, and looking at how we get deployment right for the UK
• Taking blockchain beyond financial services and exploring route to markets in other key industries and sectors
• The role of blockchain with other emerging technologies, including digital ID
• Understanding and addressing cyber security concerns related to the adoption and use of blockchain technologies.
• Exploring the connection between climate change, and what the UK needs to get right for sustainable blockchain adoption.

We will be building on techUK’s exploratory work within the financial services programme and techUK’s previous industry report on blockchain to redefine the scope and potential of blockchain as an emerging technology in the UK.

We are looking for members who are working in this space to join techUK’s DLT working group and help shape and support the upcoming campaign with news, insights and speaking opportunities. If you are interested in getting involved in techUK’s blockchain work, please do not hesitate to get in touch

Laura Foster

Head of Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Head of Programme for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:

[email protected]

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Chris Hazell

Programme Manager - Cloud, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Chris is the Programme Manager for Cloud, Tech and Innovation

Email:

[email protected]

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Sue Daley

Director, Technology and Innovation

Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.

This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy. She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame. A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK Sue is co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.

Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

020 7331 2055

Twitter:

@ChannelSwimSue,@ChannelSwimSue

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