What is the Regulatory Innovation Office? And what is it not…
…And what it isn’t. In this Blog, techUK lays out what the RIO function is for Government and how stakeholders can engage with its work.
techUK was an early advocate for a Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), because we understand the UK leads in innovation but has struggled to scale new technologies, risking a lag in AI, autonomous vehicles, and other advancements.
What the RIO is?
The Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) Office is a 20-person strong directorate within DSIT, designed to identify and address significant regulatory barriers holding back science and technology development (i.e. challenges bringing products to market and regulatory barriers to scaling in the UK) by: working with businesses, regulators and departments to address regulatory barriers that are holding back innovation; and driving wider change in regulators’ behaviour and attitudes towards innovation.
The purpose of the RIO is to deliver practical, implementation ready solutions by accelerating regulatory approvals, reducing regulatory complexity, and supporting regulatory experimentation. RIO focuses on technologies and sectors which have the greatest growth potential to get cutting-edge ideas to market safely and swiftly.
How does it function?
The RIO offers an integrated pathway to address regulatory barriers to innovation in growth-driving sectors and technologies, through:
- industry and regulator engagement;
- using the government’s convening power to bring together stakeholders to work through these obstacles and test novel approaches;
- advising on changes to existing rules or the establishment of new standards.
- developing and promoting best practice for innovation enabling regulation.
The role and functions of the Office are being developed and defined at a Ministerial level, jointly by Peter Kyle MP and Lord Patrick Vallance. While, the RIO does not possess superior legal powers over regulation, it plays a crucial coordinating and enabling role, by providing policy advice to DSIT regarding primary legislation or standards, where appropriate and work with the Regulatory Horizons Council on deep regulatory challenges. The RIO can also delegate the Regulation Pioneer's Fund where regulators can ask for funding to test novel approaches.
What it isn’t.
While there may be confusion about the role and function of the RIO, it should be noted; the Regulatory Innovation Office is not an ‘all purpose’ office for regulatory challenges. They must have a mission focus.
That mission is to focus on where there are specific regulatory challenges hindering economic growth and business investment. The RIO’s mission initially support the growth of four fast-growing areas of technology, these areas are:
- Engineering biology,
- Space and space launch,
- Artificial Intelligence and digital in healthcare and;
- Connected and autonomous technology.
The purpose, functions and duties of the RIO are expected to evolve over the course of its first two years and currently, the RIO are in listening-mode for feedback on other areas where they can make a difference.
How stakeholders can engage with the RIO?
Stakeholders will be most successful in their engagements with the Office, if they can specifically outline requests—whether related to emerging technologies, or sector-specific regulatory challenges- where the RIO can play a role including:
- What is the regulatory challenge or issue that needs addressing?
- What is the growth potential of the technology?
- How can RIO's involvement (in line with their current functions) make a difference?
- Any evidence, examples or case studies to support the request.
techUK are interested in hearing if your firm has any specific regulatory obstacles to innovation in growth driving sectors and new technologies.
Please email [email protected] with your proposals.
Samiah Anderson
Head of Digital Regulation, techUK
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six 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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiahnanderson/
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Antony Walker
Deputy CEO, techUK
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07780603065
- Twitter:
- @techUKdepCEO
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonywalker/
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Edward Emerson
Head of Digital Economy, techUK
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
Nimmi Patel
Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity, techUK
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity 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 Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre 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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07805744520
- Twitter:
- @nimmiptl
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimmi-patel1/
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Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
- Email:
- [email protected]
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Sabina Ciofu
International Policy and Strategy Lead, techUK
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
She is a frequent traveler and a marathon runner.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +32 473 323 280
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
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Theophile Maiziere
Policy Manager - EU, techUK
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- linkedin.com/in/théophile-maiziere-a32772111
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Samiah Anderson
Head of Digital Regulation, techUK
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six 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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiahnanderson/
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Mia Haffety
Policy Manager - Digital Economy, techUK
Mia joined techUK in September 2023.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/miahaffety/
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Oliver Alderson
Junior Policy Manager, techUK
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07505 890 596
- LinkedIn:
- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/oliver-alderson-a51312180
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Tess Newton
Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-newton-8ab444239/
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Archie Breare
Policy Manager - Skills & Digital Economy, techUK
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- linkedin.com/in/archie-breare-512346230
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Audre Verseckaite
Senior Policy Manager, Data & AI, techUK
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Daniella Bennett Remington
Policy Manager - Digital Regulation, techUK
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @danibenrem
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniella-bennett-remington/
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Alice Campbell
Head of Public Affairs, techUK
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
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