This is the most interesting UK digital strategy speech for a while, I think, because it sets an actual, pro-business direction - there’s lots of pressure on online harms to go through, but is this the end of “best place to start a digital business, safest place to get online”?
Is this more US than EU?: “It means ensuring our regulatory regime for digital is pro-competitive, pro-innovation, agile, and proportionate. We must avoid unnecessary layers of regulations and ensure we have a coherent and consistent approach to drive growth.”
And is UK going to turn into one big start-up boot camp? “We know the GI bill gave American veterans the skills and qualifications to move into new areas of work after WW2... Likewise, we similarly need a strategy that will help workers here adjust to a digital-led economy”
Nice to see no vague, arm-waving references to AI or world-leading new technology though - is relatively grounded, very shop-keepery, “micro-multinationals”, back to biz. Big tech probably has nothing to worry about.
Also, civil society orgs, public accountability bodies and lovers of public services are probably going to be very busy in the next 4.5 years. Now would be an excellent time for funders to support and invest in those taking care of NHS, education. See: wired.co.uk/article/nhs-co…
