UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Technology Secretary Peter Kyle pledges streamlining regulation, ensuring quicker market access for emerging technologies like medical drones.
Mr Kyle has pledged to slash red tape, enabling the faster deployment of innovations like medical delivery drones.
What did Peter Kyle say about innovation at the techUK conference?
While speaking at the techUK conference, Peter Kyle highlighted the government’s commitment to easing regulations for emerging industries, stating that without innovation, sustained economic growth and productivity improvement are unattainable.
He stated,
“Everywhere you see, there is an imbalance of power in this country which has – for too long – made it impossible to imagine a better future for Britain.”
Mr Kyle said,
“To deliver our Plan for Change we have to shift the balance of power, away from stagnation and old ideas, towards innovation and opportunity, and the bold people building a new future for Britain.”
He continued,
“In doing so, by 2035 we could see a whole new Britain emerge, harnessing the power of technological development, from engineering biology to AI, semiconductors and cyber security, or quantum and future telecoms for a stronger economy and better lives for all in the UK.”
Mr Kyle revealed the 10 winners of Innovate UK’s Quantum Missions Pilot, who will receive £12 million to further drive advancements in quantum computing and networking.
The Technology Secretary highlighted that the London-based medical drone trial for blood sample deliveries faces potential disruption from a single noise complaint. He stated that this kind of bureaucratic obstacle will be eliminated to ensure innovative advancements reach the market faster.
Mr Kyle praised Lord Willetts’ expertise, stating,
“It will be key to streamlining innovation and unapologetically driving forward advancements that have the potential to improve lives.”
Who will lead the new Regulatory Innovation Office?
Lord David Willetts, ex-Conservative minister, has been appointed as the chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office. He will be responsible for drafting the regulatory framework to support new technologies.
The office was established in October to ease regulatory challenges for businesses and facilitate market entry for new products and services. The initiative aims to streamline innovation-friendly policies and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Mr Willetts described his appointment as an “exciting opportunity to shape regulatory approaches that empower new technologies.”
He served as MP for Havant from 1992 to 2015. Mr. Willetts also held the position of paymaster general under Sir John Major. He later returned to government as universities and science minister in David Cameron’s government.
New regulations for drone deliveries and AI in healthcare
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology stated that the regulatory body may help roll out essential technologies such as medical drones for quicker drug delivery. It may also support AI-powered training tools for surgeons.
Drones are being considered for use in other industries, including speeding up the delivery of goods and products.
What did Peter Kyle say about AI improving public service call centers?
Mr Peter told Sky News that AI could reduce phone center waiting times for public services by half. He described the technology as a “win-win,” highlighting its potential to cut taxpayer costs while improving customer experience.
He stated,
“I am determined to drive this technology through the government.”
The tech secretary said,
“People won’t know when they’re calling that the person who is answering the call and assisting them is using the power of AI to get the right information to them much, much quicker – that means it’s a better experience.”
He added,
“They get the information quicker, they can start to tackle the issues they’re calling about, you know, much more rapidly than before. And it also means that those volunteers working in Citizens’ Advice can speak to more people and help more people.”
How can AI help cut waiting times for public services?
People depending on Citizens Advice, HMRC, and the DVLA have struggled with prolonged waiting times for years.
With AI at the center of government innovation plans, a pilot program has significantly cut down the time people spend on hold.
Citizens Advice teams in Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, and Trafford have managed to reduce the average phone call duration from eight minutes to four during a months-long trial.
Manchester’s in-house team developed the AI helper, Caddy, which has drawn government interest due to its success. Officials now hope to integrate it into public services.