IT innovation, research and development

Russian IT market growing steadily after pandemic

Russia’s enterprise IT sector is recovering steadily after a slowdown caused by Covid-19 Continue Reading

By

• Eugene Gerden

PAC report slams reliance on consulting at NHS Test and Trace

Consultants recruited to fill technical skills gaps on the NHS Test and Trace programme are expected to cost £300m amid concerns spend has gotten “out of hand” Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Thought Machine: Google-inspired banking fintech to unicorn and beyond

UK fintech unicorn Thought Machine is transforming the IT of large traditional banks, while working with fledgling digital-only challengers Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

The future is digital, so why is Britain’s national strategy waterfall?

UK government policy is dominated by old, traditional attitudes – rather like the waterfall approach to IT projects. Unless policymaking adopts digital-style approaches, the UK is doomed to long-term decline Continue Reading

By

• Cassian Young

Tech firms launch digital identity scheme for real estate

Five companies joined the digital identity programme aimed at enabling buyers of real estate, and more providers are expected to join a pilot starting this month Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Tech must be core to a high-wage UK economy, says TechUK

Trade association TechUK calls on government to prioritise tech-led growth on Budget and Spending Review Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Singapore-developed chatbot to provide genetic counselling

National University Cancer Institute, Singapore’s chatbot will kickstart the counselling process for patients who have a higher risk of contracting hereditary breast and ovarian cancer Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Digital healthcare in use by nearly half of UK’s adult population

Some 28 million citizens have access to the NHS login, according to new data Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

MEPs vote to expand Europol data mandate

The European Parliament has voted in favour of expanding Europol’s mandate to process data and develop AI tools, but critics claim it contradicts a previous vote which opposed using new technologies to predict crime Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Government seeks supplier for UK digital identity project

Work on the UK digital identity project will be centred around the Gov.uk app, which is expected to be the new common check for citizen services Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK government launches information assurance unit for defence

The Military Systems Information Assurance is aimed at developing alternatives to cryptology Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK government allocates £17.5m to farming innovation programme

Farming innovation initiative aims to drive productivity and sustainability among farmers, growers and other businesses Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

American Express announces global hybrid working model

US credit card giant is latest corporate to formalise hybrid working following the success of informal policies introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

DWP IT chief outlines the challenges of establishing a Chief Data Office

According to DWP chief Katharine Purser, interoperability between government systems is one of the main barriers to improving the handling of data Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Police IT buyers should compel suppliers to prove AI claims

House of Lords told that UK law enforcement bodies should use their position as buyers to compel private sector suppliers to divulge more information about how their AI-powered technologies work Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Making machine learning operational

As artificial intelligence matures, IT departments will need to take control of change management and governance of data models Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Met Police purchase new retrospective facial-recognition system

 Continue Reading

Government launches consultation on future of medical devices

UK government aims is to gather views on possible changes around innovations in the medical device field, including the creation of a regulatory framework for software and artificial intelligence Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

How Samlesbury, Lancashire became the home of the National Cyber Force

The National Cyber Force, a new branch of the military, is gearing up to fight battles in cyber space from the fields of Lancashire. Its presence is expected to bring a high-tech renaissance to the region Continue Reading

By

• Bill Goodwin, Computer Weekly

DCMS appoints Plexal to drive telecoms diversity strategy

Government chooses UK innovation company to understand and develop the role of SMEs in the telecoms market with particular reference to how to create a diverse market that supports the creation of home-grown, sovereign technology Continue Reading

By

• Joe O’Halloran, Computer Weekly

Graphcore opens Southeast Asia hub in Singapore

The AI chipmaker is looking to expand its sales teams and hire more engineers to support customer deployments in Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

UK government advances voter ID project

Cabinet Office-led project will see the introduction of a digital card to be used in future elections Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Institutes of Technology launch to upskill adults in tech careers

Up to 4,000 working professionals will be trained in subjects such as cyber security and agricultural robotics to plug the national skills gap Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Government to launch Gov.uk app

Service to be introduced as part of plans to simplify access to government services Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Digital gender gap prompts $1tn GDP loss for developing countries

A new study by the Web Foundation investigates the economic cost associated with the barriers preventing women from accessing the internet Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK government outlines strengths and weaknesses in innovation

As part of the government’s overall innovation strategy, an evidence paper lists factors that influence the pace and direction of developments in the field Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

AI estimated to provide 10% boost to UK GDP by 2030

AI has financial benefits but there are concerns the technology could displace a significant number of human workers in the next decade, says report Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

How AI – and puffins – are boosting renewable energy

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how an artificial intelligence system for tracking puffins could help boost renewable energy use. We examine the often-overlooked, but often damaging, diversity issue of age discrimination in tech. And we look at the key considerations when choosing enterprise cloud file services. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

West Midlands expected to grow by £2.7bn with tech sector drive

The region is expected to create 52,000 job positions in the next four years Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Singapore refreshes cyber security strategy

The city-state updates its national cyber security strategy to shore up the security of critical infrastructure and enterprises while growing its cyber security industry, among other goals Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

ONS publishes technical learnings of UK’s first online census

Use of agile delivery and cloud computing were among the highlights of the Census 2021, which received 22 million responses countrywide Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Open source for good

Imagine volunteering to build a home for a struggling family and the entire community shows up to help – that is what open source is all about Continue Reading

By

• Melissa Di Donato

ICO expresses concerns over its future independence

In its response to the government’s data protection consultation, the Information Commissioner’s Office has raised worries over its future ability to function independently of government interference Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CW Middle East: Middle East hospitals accelerate take-up of healthcare technologies

The Middle East is accelerating its take-up of digital healthcare technologies following lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, with regional government turning to technology to track disease trends and monitor treatment. Also read in this issue how the UAE’s National Program for Coders will offer ‘golden visas’ to 100,000 entrepreneurs, enterprise owners and startups. Continue Reading

How data drives Air Canada’s cargo business

Data-driven insights and artificial intelligence are helping Air Canada to find a new business path as it expands its cargo business following the pandemic Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Glasgow publishes draft digital housing strategy

Reducing digital exclusion, improving connectivity and citizen services are part of the plan Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

MEPs approve report opposing certain uses of AI by police

European policymakers have approved a report on the use of AI in criminal matters, rejecting several amendments in the process that would have made it easier for police to potentially conduct predictive analytics and biometric surveillance Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

The power of two: quantum or neuromorphic computing?

No one wants to run a computer operating at temperatures close to absolute zero – this is pushing the boundaries of new computing architectures Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Ocado gets closer to autonomous delivery with Wayve trial

Startup Wayve takes what it believes is a different approach to autonomous driving by modelling the behaviour of a driver Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

5PRING issues call for 5G innovation in UK events sector

West Midlands telecoms industry testbed challenges innovators to help lead the next-generation networks revolution as live events industry gets back to life Continue Reading

By

• Joe O’Halloran, Computer Weekly

Israeli Orca to invest in UK cyber scene

Tel Aviv-headquartered Orca Security wants to set up a new R&D centre in the UK Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

New strategies needed to close the cyber security skills gap

Teaching cyber security in schools is a long-term solution to a present-day problem Continue Reading

By

• Martin Smith, SASIG

CIO interview: Lisa Heneghan, chief digital officer, KPMG

KPMG UK’s digital leader says that in her 25-year career she has never known a more exciting time to work in IT Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Concerns raised over confidentiality and transparency in government data innovation

National data guardian Nicola Byrne warns about central principles that should be observed as data-driven innovation gathers pace in areas such as health and care Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Direct Line hires former Virgin Atlantic IT chief as CIO

Ash Jokhoo will be joining the insurance company as a member of the executive board Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

NHSX publishes IT standards and interoperability priorities

The creation of an IT strategy, a governance model and an open source playbook are among the areas of focus for the interoperability team of NHSX Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Chancellor uses Tory Party conference speech to announce AI scholarships

Artificial intelligence holds the key to unlocking productivity, and developing the right skills to harness this potential was one of the focal points at the Tory Party conference Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NHSX IT chief outlines opportunities of elective recovery tech fund

Priorities for the digital unit of the health service include remote recovery with virtual wards, pre-surgical digital support, and use of robotic process automation to reduce the administrative burden on staff Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Met Police purchase new retrospective facial-recognition system

Retrospective facial-recognition software purchased for £3m by the Met Police will be deployed in coming months amid continuing controversy around the use of biometric technologies by law enforcement bodies Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Norway and IoT: A match made in heaven

Norway is becoming a centre of internet of things innovation as tech developers look for answers to some of the country's unique challenges Continue Reading

By

• Pat Brans, Pat Brans Associates/Grenoble Ecole de Management

NUS and Thales to develop quantum technologies

The National University of Singapore and Thales have joined hands to test quantum technologies for commercial applications in security and sensing Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

UK government announces industry group to lead digital pound debate

Joint forums set up by HM Treasury and the Bank of England for a Central Bank Digital Currency include representatives from big tech firms, fintechs and incumbent banks Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Women in fintech welcome Barclays initiative and demand more from the sector

Women in UK financial technology have welcomed bank’s new female-focused lab and funding initiative and call for more like it from the sector Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Digital regulators need discrete but cooperative remits

The UK’s information commissioner has told MPs that digital economy regulators need discrete remits backed up by strong information sharing powers to both provide clear focus as well as allow for greater cooperation between their disparate but interlinked regimes Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Ultimate questions require ultimate understanding in the quantum era

In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Deep Thought calculates the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything as ‘42’. But what of quantum computing? Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Government announces data strategy for defence

The plan sets out the goals around treating data as a strategic asset to be achieved by 2025 Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Chancellor Rishi Sunak talks tech

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about his plans to support innovation and growth in the UK tech sector. Composable IT is the latest trend in building software to support business change. And Halfords built its own service management software – and now is selling it to other retailers. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Scotland sees increase in job opportunities in tech

Driven by startups and scaleups, employment in digital firms in Edinburgh and Glasgow is growing more than in other parts of the UK, according to data Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

IBM ramps up quantum education initiative

IBM is trying hard to break quantum computing away from the boffins to find real-world application areas Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

London publishes guidelines for ethical use of smart city tech

Latest draft of the ‘Emerging Technology Charter for London’ encourages local authorities, public services and technology companies to improve how they implement technology in the capital Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

HMRC postpones Making Tax Digital until 2024

Digital tax changes have been delayed to allow more time for customers taking part in the pilot and for the government to enhance the service Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Tech Nation announces 15 startups for 10th Future Fifty cohort

Fifteen high-growth startups set to join Tech Nation’s 10th annual Future Fifty programme to help them scale further Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Government digital chief outlines extent of legacy IT challenge

Central Digital and Data Office director Joanna Davinson says ageing IT is holding back digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK government launches first national artificial intelligence strategy

Ten-year plan is expected to drive corporate adoption of the technology, boost skills and attract international investments Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

AI cannot be regulated by technical measures alone

The regulation of artificial intelligence must address the power of tech companies, as technical measures alone will not be enough to prevent the harms caused by AI-driven technologies, says report Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

NHS App reaches 16 million users

Tool has seen a surge in uptake since the addition of the NHS Covid Pass in May Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

UK needs coordinated effort to regain ground in high-performance computing

The UK is falling behind in the supercomputer league as a lack of skills and awareness of large-scale computing holds back organisations Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Digital Clinical Safety Strategy adds to NHS patient safety plan

Objective is to ensure digital technologies in health and care are safe and to use them to improve patient safety Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

The cities planning for ethical use of AI

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to tech leaders in Barcelona and London about a collaboration to ensure ethical use of AI in the era of smart cities. The UK government wants to reform data protection law – we assess the implications. And we examine the latest best practice in hybrid cloud. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

DBS eyes AI and blockchain talent

Singapore-based bank DBS is looking to hire 150 developers and engineers skilled in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain through its hackathon programme Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

UK government announces digital trade strategy

Five-point plan is aimed at improving ways to sell and deliver services digitally, making the sector more resilient to disruption Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Dear Chancellor: Unlocking private sector collaboration is the key to tech growth

Chancellor Rishi Sunak asked the tech sector for ideas to promote growth – startup hub Plexal makes its case in response Continue Reading

By

• Andrew Roughan, Plexal

Putting data at the heart of policymaking will accelerate London’s recovery

A new initiative to encourage better data sharing between London’s private and public sectors can play an important role in recovering from the pandemic Continue Reading

By

• Mel Hobson

UK tech sector on track for another record year of investment

The UK creates one unicorn tech business a week, as startup funding during the first half of 2021 rockets to £13.5bn Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

British home computing inventor Sir Clive Sinclair dies

While the US started home computing in the 1970s, it was Sir Clive Sinclair’s low-cost devices which brought computing to the UK public Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

European president outlines tech vision to drive Europe

President of the European Commission has set out plans for a stronger European economy, with less reliance on US and Chinese tech giants Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

UN human rights chief calls for moratorium on AI technologies

High commissioner’s call for a moratorium on the use of AI systems that pose a serious risk to human rights is accompanied by a UN report on the negative human rights impacts associated with the technology Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Interview: Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak on supporting the UK tech sector

Computer Weekly talked to Sunak at a Treasury event in front of an audience of tech sector leaders, investors and startups, to discuss how the government can support the digital economy Continue Reading

By

• Bryan Glick, Editor in chief

Tech Nation announces second cohort for Net Zero accelerator

The Net Zero programme from Tech Nation aims to help tech startups and scaleups realise their potential to reduce global emissions Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

UK government takes equity shares in more than 150 startups

Covid-support loans given to startups through the UK government’s Future Fund have given it stakes in more than 150 high-growth enterprises Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Is 3D printing about to hit the mainstream?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out about the emerging consumer services using 3D printing and ask if the technology is about to go mainstream. Our latest buyer’s guide looks at the importance of sustainable datacentres. And we analyse the risks of increasing contactless card spending limits and whether tech could help. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

How 3D printing is growing one step at a time

We speak to a 3D printing firm that has expanded the reach of the technology by providing hardware and design software for customised insoles Continue Reading

The digital road ahead: National Highways puts technology in the driving seat

We speak to National Highways about its multi-year plan to tech-enable the management and operations of our motorways Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Portcast secures $3.2m, eyes global expansion

Logistics startup Portcast will use its pre-Series A funding to expand globally and bolster its cloud-based service with prescriptive AI capabilities Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

UK GDPR faces changes under planned reforms

DCMS is launching a major consultation on proposed changes to the UK’s data protection regime, under which several key elements of the GDPR are likely to change Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government relies on tech to reduce NHS waiting lists

Health and social care secretary Sajid Javid aims to reduce NHS waiting list backlog through use of virtual wards, artificial intelligence and new surgical hubs Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Tech R&D gets cash boost through £113m Future Leaders Fellowships

Projects including a four-legged, multi-terrain robotic walker, ‘biogeobatteries’ and organic smartphone materials are among 97 projects to receive funding Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Throwback Thursday: Remember when Agile was treated with suspicion?

When we researched the topic of Agile development back in 2008, it was against a backdrop of widespread suspicion of the approach. While the hype was beginning to build around iterative development ... Continue Reading

By

• Dale Vile, Freeform Dynamics

Making the enterprise composable

We speak to industry experts about how to develop composable IT that can quickly adapt to business change Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor
• Adrian Bridgwater

NUS researchers develop brain-inspired memory device

A team of researchers led by the National University of Singapore have developed a brain-inspired molecular memristor that can be configured to perform a range of computing tasks Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

University of Sunderland applies technology through robot dog

Students will apply technologies such as artificial intelligence to robotic dog as part of their learning Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

NHSX sets out digital guidelines for NHS organisations

The What Good Looks Like framework provides instructions on how NHS leaders should improve the use of digital in their organisations Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Mainland Chinese businesses lead tech adoption in APAC

Chinese firms are more likely than others in Asia-Pacific to tap on artificial intelligence and business intelligence among other technologies to drive innovation Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Are proposed data protection changes a threat to UK citizens’ privacy?

Though changes are as-yet undefined pending an upcoming consultation, concerns are already being expressed over the government’s plan to liberalise data protection laws in the service of innovation and growth Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Tech giants commit to Biden's cyber security action plan

Some of the world’s most prominent tech giants have made a series of commitments to enhance the US’ national cyber security posture following a high-profile meeting with president Biden Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Government unveils post-Brexit data flow proposals

The government will pursue data partnerships with countries including Australia, South Korea and the US as part of a post-Brexit data regime that may also see substantial changes to the UK’s data protection law Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

How 3D printing is growing one step at a time

We speak to a 3D printing firm that has expanded the reach of the technology by providing hardware and design software for customised insoles Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NHS Scotland sets out recovery plan

Plan includes ensuring digital choices are always available, scaling up online consultation app and accelerating technology adoption in the NHS Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Algorithmic accountability needs meaningful public participation

Global analysis by Ada Lovelace Institute and other research groups finds algorithmic accountability mechanisms in the public sector are hindered by a lack of engagement with the public Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

M1 deploys surveillance robots at Keppel Bay

Singapore telco M1 is deploying surveillance robots and other 5G-enabled equipment to beef up security and maintenance operations at Marina at Keppel Bay Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget