Government takes aim at red tape with new Regulatory Innovation Office


A unit within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been created with the remit of working with watchdogs across sectors to promote the development and deployment of tech

A Regulatory Innovation Office is to be established within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology with a remit to work with watchdogs in various sectors to “curb the burden of red tape” and support the use of new technologies.

This will be achieved through means including updating legislation, speeding up approvals, and ensuring different regulatory bodies work smoothly together, the government said. It is hoped the new unit will help businesses commercialise new products and services, placing the UK at the forefront of next-generation technology.

Alongside these duties, the unit will also superseded and take on the responsibilities of two existing teams within DSIT: the Regulatory Horizons Council; and the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund.


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Initially the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) will focus on supporting four sectors, including: artificial intelligence and digital technologies in healthcare; space; connected and autonomous technology; and engineering biology.

Technology secretary Peter Kyle, said: “The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office, a key manifesto commitment, is a big step forward in bringing the UK’s most promising new technologies to the public faster and safely while kickstarting economic growth. By speeding up approvals, providing regulatory certainty and reducing unnecessary delays, we’re curbing the burden of red tape so businesses and our public services can innovate and grow, which means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a better quality of life for people across the UK. From breakthroughs that could help doctors diagnose illnesses earlier to satellite navigation for more accurate weather forecasting and getting emergency supplies to where they are needed, quickly and effectively, RIO will make sure UK companies are at the forefront of the next generation of technologies.”

The government is now looking for candidates to chair the organisation.

PublicTechnology and Holyrood staff

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