UK Digital Economy Conference

Join us in Edinburgh on 20 November for our UK Digital Economy Conference, where we will be launching the latest edition of our Local Digital Index.

The UK's digital economy is built on a robust foundation of innovation, connectivity, investment, and research. techUK has partnered with The Data City and Open Innovations to bring together detailed data and insights into the sectors, companies, and infrastructure that drive growth and technological advancement across the country.

From cutting-edge businesses in AI and biotechnology to the critical infrastructure of data centres and broadband networks, the digital landscape is diverse and rapidly evolving. By highlighting regional success stories, investment patterns, and the state of research and development, our Local Digital Index aims to provide a comprehensive view of the key elements that shape the UK's competitive position in the global digital sector.

Our goal is to foster a deeper understanding of how digital innovation is transforming economies and communities throughout the UK.

The Digital Economy Conference will take place one week before the UK Government’s budget, and six months before the Scottish and Welsh elections, and will be a timely opportunity for delegates to hear what the data is telling us about investment and R&D across the nations and regions, supply and demand of digital skills, connectivity, data centres and more.

We’ve secured an expert panel to explore all these topics and to discuss what more needs to be done to ensure we have:

a digitally skilled workforce fit for the future
mechanisms in place to support our scaling companies
sustainable, resilient infrastructure which can support the country’s tech ambitions

Improvements in each of these areas will be crucial if we are to grow the tech sector and grow the economy - register now to be part of the conversation.

Speakers:
We are pleased to announce that the opening keynote address will be delivered by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP.

We are also pleased to welcome:

Anna Ashton-Scott, Head of Skills, The Data Lab
Paul Connell, Executive Chair, The Data City
Professor Steven Drost, Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) , CodeBase Scotland Ltd
Michelle Ferguson, Director, CBI Scotland
Hollie Hodgson, Head of Account Management, Tussell
Paul McKean, Director of Further Education, Skills and Training, JISC
Jill Mckinney, Director of Delivery & Head of Skills, Sunderland Software City and DSIT Digital Skills Council
Andrew Purdy, Data Analyst, The Data City
Mark Sterritt, Senior Investment Director, British Business Bank

Agenda in brief:

Opening Keynote | The future of the UK digital economy
A forward-looking address on how digital innovation, technology adoption, and data-led transformation can boost productivity and competitiveness across the UK. The session will outline priorities for government, industry, and regional leaders to strengthen digital growth nationwide.
Local Digital Index 2025 | Insights and opportunities
Presentation of this year’s Local Digital Index results, highlighting the digital strengths and challenges across UK regions. The discussion will identify where targeted investment and collaboration can close regional gaps and unlock future economic potential.
Meeting the demand for digital skills
Examining how the UK can respond to the growing demand for digital expertise in every sector. Speakers will discuss practical solutions for building a skilled workforce, developing local talent pipelines, and supporting lifelong learning.
Investment and innovation | Supporting our scale-ups
Focused on enabling high-growth digital businesses to thrive and expand. The panel will explore access to finance, innovation support, and the role of regional ecosystems in creating the next generation of successful UK tech firms.
Fireside chat | Building a thriving digital nation
An informal conversation with leaders from government and industry on creating a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy. The discussion will reflect on lessons learned and the partnerships needed to achieve national impact.
Filling the digital infrastructure gaps to enable growth
Discussion on ensuring every part of the UK has the digital infrastructure required for sustainable growth. Panellists will look at connectivity, data centres, and advanced network capabilities as the foundation of an inclusive digital future.
Closing keynote | What is next for the UK digital economy?
A closing reflection on the key insights and actions emerging from the day’s discussions. The session will set out next steps for collaboration between policy, business, and regional stakeholders to drive the UK’s digital ambitions forward.

Why attend?

Gain insight into the latest Local Digital Index findings on regional digital strengths and challenges.
Explore how skills, investment, and infrastructure can be better aligned to accelerate local digital growth and impact the wider economy.
Hear from leaders across government and industry on the next steps for regional digital strategies.
Network with peers shaping the future of the UK’s digital economy.

Join us to explore how the UK’s nations and regions can build stronger, more inclusive digital economies through targeted action on skills development, coordinated investment, and world-class infrastructure. This event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and opportunities to connect with peers over lunch.

Please get in touch with the below team for details: