Regulate to innovate: techUK’s response to the launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO)
The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office provides a new opportunity to remove barriers to technology deployment in the UK.
The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) with a promise to “reduce the burden of red tape on innovation and help kickstart economic growth” is an important step in the right direction when it comes to ensuring that cutting edge technologies are able to be deployed commercially.
The launch follows a long history of work on regulatory reform by techUK and others to encourage a more pro-innovation regulatory landscape. This was one of the key recommendations in our Seven Tech Priorities for the next Government, which called for a pro-growth framework for our regulators and a taskforce focused on the commercialisation of tech.
Supporting innovation
The UK is home to amazing array of innovation, however, historically we have been slow to deploy new technologies at pace and at scale. Without addressing this problem, we risk missing out on the next wave of technological advancements including AI and autonomous vehicles.
By smoothing the path to deployment of new technologies, the RIO can open the door to significant applications both in the commercial sphere and for public services. If done right, this could mean unlocking billions of pounds of additional investment to help fund new research, as well as helping cutting edge technologies make the leap from the research lab to the marketplace, where they can be of most help to all.
We have seen this approach work successfully before. The office’s focus on autonomous technologies follows the success of techUK member Wayve in securing the largest ever investment in a European AI company, at over £840m. Last year, techUK and members such as Wayve successfully called on the Government to pass its Autonomous Vehicles Bill, providing a route to market for its technology.
techUK and our members are therefore supportive of the aims of the new office, and we look forward to working closely with the Chair as soon as the appointment process is complete.
The RIO's mission is strongly aligned with techUK's flagship Unleashing Innovation campaign, which showcases the potential of emerging and transformative technologies and convenes key stakeholders to turn strategy into action.
To be as successful as possible, the RIO should work closely with the private sector to identify the outdated regulatory barriers they face, as well as the most promising opportunities for further attention.
The road to RIO
The RIO builds on a long history of work on regulatory innovation. From the report of the Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform (TIGRR) in 2021 to the work of the House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee on regulatory accountability and independence, as well as the Government’s own Smarter Regulation programme.
It also follows Sir Patrick Vallance’s successful review of digital technologies conducted in 2023 – particularly notable given that the new office will sit under Vallance’s ministerial remit. techUK was pleased to feed into this review, which took forward several of our members’ key recommendations.
The fact that the new office will be, in-part, replicating this important review on a rolling basis will help to ensure that the remit of the RIO remains relevant, timely, and targeted to deliver maximum benefits to both businesses and consumers.
We know too that regulators themselves have sometimes struggled to grapple with the speed of technological advancement. A new office signposting areas of specific focus and detailed review, designed to speed up approvals and encourage cross-regulator collaboration, will be a welcome new voice to have at the table. The ability for experts to work with regulators to update their books is an important one, and the RIO will be an important port of call for future regulatory engagement across multiple sectors.
The initial areas of focus announced are:
Engineering biology;
Space;
Artificial Intelligence and digital in healthcare;
Connected and autonomous technology.
We are encouraged to see that Space is one of these four initial focus areas, in particular given techUK called for Government to streamline regulatory processes in our Emerging Space Technologies report, published earlier this year.
techUK will be working closely with DSIT and RIO officials over the coming months to help ensure the office fulfils its important mission.
Edward Emerson
Head of Digital Economy, techUK
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
techUK's Policy and Public Affairs Programme activities
techUK helps our members understand, engage and influence the development of digital and tech policy in the UK and beyond. We support our members to understand some of the most complex and thorny policy questions that confront our sector. Visit the programme page here.
techUK and Public First Poll: The State of UK Tech in 2025
Polling results show that confidence, optimism, and growth are defining UK tech’s trajectory
Do you have a trailblazer in your team?
Do you work with an innovator or a problem solver?
Do you have an inspirational colleague who deserves the spotlight for their work? The President’s Awards are back for 2025 and open for nominations. All techUK members are encouraged to nominate one colleague.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team as the Team Assistant in February 2023 and as Public Affairs Manager in September 2023
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
Oliver is the team assistant for the Policy and Public Affairs teams, joining techUK in November of 2023. He assists the teams admistrative support, communication, and event production.
Prior to working at techUK, Oliver studied at Swansea and Bristol universities, attaining a masters in Policy Research. During this time he competed in debating competitions around the country where he discussed and deliberated various policy issues. Between his studies Oliver acted as a student assistant in mental health research for the SMaRteN student network.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the Local and General Election and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. As well as working for multiple charities on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from University of Nottingham.