09 Apr 2025

Government publishes report into the economic impact of 15 emerging technologies

The report, published today by the Government Office for Science (GO-Science) and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), aims to understand the possible economic impact of 15 emerging technologies by 2035, including the UK’s 5 critical technologies.

This research was conducted by PwC in 2023, under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government.


The 15 technologies

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML)
  • Synthetic Biology/Engineering Biology
  • Therapeutics
  • Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) / Extended Reality (ER)
  • Future Telecoms
  • Digital Twins
  • Advanced Sensing
  • Semiconductors
  • Future Computing
  • Robotics and Autonomous Systems
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Advanced Materials
  • Quantum Technology
  • Agritech
  • Photonics

Key findings & estimations

Businesses will invest approximately £76 billion in 15 emerging technologies from 2023 to 2028, with the largest future investments potentially in AI and Machine Learning, Synthetic/ Engineering Biology, Augmented Reality, Therapeutics, and Robotics and autonomous systems

The increased productivity from the adoption of emerging technologies will contribute approximately 8.4% to real GDP by the year 2035

There is significant uncertainty involved in predicting the uptake of emerging technologies, with estimates regarding their contribution in the form of enhanced productivity ranging from a 11.9% to 2.65% boost in real GDP

The impacts of adopting emerging technologies depend on both the investment magnitude and the sector’s significance in adopting the technology

A significant portion of this cumulative growth across all technologies is expected to come from 3 emerging technologies: Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning, Synthetic Biology / Engineering Biology technologies and Therapeutics. PwC project that these 3 technologies will contribute to a 5.50% increase in real GDP by 2035, which is an additional £146.5 billion to the UK’s real GDP

The adoption of AI/ML technologies alone is projected to contribute to a 2.98% overall increase in the UK’s real GDP by the year 2035, which is equivalent to £79.3 billion


You can read the full report by clicking here.


Get involved in techUK's Emerging Tech activity

techUK regularly convenes the UK's Emerging Tech ecosystem to identify, explore and address key challenges and opportunities on behalf of UK industry.

Our Emerging Tech activity spans everything from Immersive & Metaverse to Photonics, Web3 and Gaming.

Contact Rory Daniels to find out more or get involved.

Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

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 technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.

This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.

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 unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.

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Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK. 

techUK's latest sprint campaign is on Robotic & Automation technologies. Find out how to get involved by clicking here.

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Running from September to November 2023, this campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies, bring more non-space companies into the sector, and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.

These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.

Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report. The report, containing member case studies and policy recommendations, was launched in March 2024 at Satellite Applications Catapult's Harwell campus.

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Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Gaming & Esports

Running from January to May 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.

These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).

Activity took the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations was launched at The National Videogame Museum in November 2024.

Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.


Report


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Get in touch

Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Web3 & Immersive

Running from July to December 2024, this campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.

These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.

Activity took the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in 2025).

Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.


Event round-ups


Insights


Get in touch

Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

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