techUK's new campaign is exploring how we supercharge the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation
UK Government has expressed an ambition to make the UK a “science and tech superpower by 2030” – a long-standing an oft-repeated statement through Government strategies including the Integrated Review, or the more recent Autumn statement, as well as cascades of speeches from ministers & Government Representatives alike. More recently, this has underpinned announcements around the new Department of Science, Innovation and Technology – the UK’s foundation from which “to deliver the UK’s most innovative economy in the world”.
The rhetoric is set, but the ambition – what does it actually mean to be a science and technology superpower – will require addressing several multi-layered and long-standing challenges facing the UK’s society and economy, while concomitantly opening pathways within Government to support pioneering innovation. This will certainly require moving beyond the political fray; it will require recognising areas of particular strength in UK innovation, and crucially, applying that innovation to the UK economy.
For this to happen, we need to ensure we get the ingredients of innovation right. We need to ensure the UK has investment into emerging technologies that have the potential to drive progress; a strong foundation of infrastructure, skills and investment to accelerate the appetite for innovation; and the mechanisms to apply this technology to create real-world change. These are the three ingredients for innovation that the techUK campaign will address in more depth.
To explore this innovation opportunity and each of the above ingredients in turn, we are hosting this launch event at the techUK office 21 March 15:00-17:00. We will gather industry leaders to share their expertise and their experience as to how the UK can leverage its strong innovation heritage for modern day challenges.
More specifically this event will discuss:
- Defining the UK's "Innovation Challenge"
- Where are UK particular strengths, and how do we support them?
- How do we better fund innovation in the UK so that the brightest minds, ideas and businesses can thrive?
- Why is applied innovation, and how can we get better at this in the UK?
- Finally, how can we ensure that innovation is equitable: How can we create opportunity for all to contribute and benefit?
This is just the start of the conversation. This new campaign will continue to address these areas and more through events, roundtables, insights, whitepapers that will bring together the UK tech sector behind the common ambition to supercharge the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation
The agenda will be published soon
Speakers include:
Sue Daley OBE
Dr Keith Dear
Mr Stephen Pattison
Anna Sutton
Rosa Wilkinson
Visit our new Innovation Hub for more insights, events, and to sign up to our newsletter.
techUK – Supercharging UK Tech and Innovation
The opportunities of innovation are endless. Automation, IoT, AI, Edge, Quantum, Drones and High Performance Computing all have the power to transform the UK. techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and supercharge the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.
For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’.
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Keen to learn more? Get in touch:
Rory Daniels
Ella Shuter
Laura Foster
Elis Thomas
Rory Daniels
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, Rory leads techUK's Emerging Technology and Innovation activity, working with many of the UK's most innovative tech companies to convene key stakeholders, work through key challenges and opportunities for industry, showcase best practice, and shape Government's thinking around future technologies, sectors and industries.
Focus areas include Robotics, Immersive, Web3, Metaverse, Photonics, Space, Gaming, Creative, Innovation policy, university spin-outs, and Futures & Horizon Scanning.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/
Ella Shuter
Ella joined techUK in July 2025 as Junior Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies.
In her role, Ella supports the design and delivery of four to six-month sprint campaigns. These identify emerging technologies of interest to members and Government, share industry best practice, champion relevant sectors and industries across the UK, and work through key challenges and opportunities to drive the development, application and commercialisation of these technologies.
Before joining techUK, Ella completed an internship at Digital Catapult, supporting across public affairs, policy and the organisation's programmes. She also has experience working in an MP's Parliamentary and Constituency Office.
Ella holds a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bristol.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-shuter-264158244/
Laura Foster
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director 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
Elis Thomas
Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on 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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/elis-thomas-49a1aa1a1/
