24 Jun 2021

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

techUK is exploring what long-term, safe and sustainable deployment of DLT technologies will look like in the UK. We are looking for members who might be interested in blockchain to get involved.

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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Rory Daniels

Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on AI, Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.