IT innovation, research and development

Cities worldwide band together to push for ethical AI

The chief digital and technology officers of London and Barcelona speak to Computer Weekly about their joint initiative launched with other cities to promote the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence in urban spaces Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

It’s time to reshape NHS innovation approach, says science and technology council

Council for Science and Technology sets out how the government should harness tech for the NHS through interoperable systems, building skills and capacity and developing an evidence base to underpin effective use of tech Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

How the pandemic transformed IAG’s Hangar 51 accelerator

Businesses of all shapes and sizes have had to take a different approach during the pandemic – Dupsy Abiola, head of global innovation at IAG, explains how IAG transformed its Hangar 51 accelerator during the coronavirus outbreak Continue Reading

By

• Clare McDonald, Business Editor

Alibaba tops global AI challenge

Alibaba’s AliceMind algorithm recorded a higher accuracy rate than humans in answering questions related to images in the global VQA challenge Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

UN launches peacekeeping digital transformation strategy

United Nations strategy sets out the need for data-driven and technology-enabled peacekeeping, but also highlights potential risks that come with a digital world Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Challenger banks make reputational gains in business banking

The business banking sector is a big target for digital challengers and some are already building good reputations in the market Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

A digital twin for farming

We speak to a company that has pioneered digital plant growth for indoor farming Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NAB partners AWS, global banks on open finance

Australia’s NAB teams up with three other banks and AWS to run an open global finance challenge that will see participating teams prototype new digital banking services Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Cyber Runway programme supports new security businesses

The Cyber Runway programme is a government-backed scheme to support entrepreneurs, startups and scaleups in launching and growing new security businesses Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

NCSC for Startups initiative launched with Plexal

National Cyber Security Centre and Plexal will support startups to develop products to address the government’s cyber security priorities Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Social care digital revolution could lead to £127m in benefits

Analysis of NHS Digital’s social care programme shows new ways of working could reduce hospital admissions and visits to GPs, and improve people’s quality of life Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

CW Benelux: Netherlands sees increase in the number of women opting for an ICT career

The IT skills gap in the Netherlands could be about to narrow as more women take up jobs in the sector. Figures from last year revealed that the number of female ICT professionals grew by 6.5%, while the number of male ICT professionals increased by only 1.7%. Read more about it in this issue. Also find out why more openness about ransomware attacks in the Dutch business community could be the first step to defeating a growing problem. Continue Reading

LGA goes live with Digital Pathfinders Programme

Programme offers £20,000 in funding to councils that come up with ‘pioneering solutions’ for cyber security, digital inclusion and connectivity Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Singapore’s NUHS kicks off holomedicine research

Singapore neurosurgeons are testing the use of Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset to locate brain tumours with higher precision and improve patient safety Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

New machine learning algorithm to detect quantum errors

University of Sydney and quantum control startup Q-CTRL have developed a new way to reduce quantum computing errors using custom machine learning algorithms Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Apple unveils plans to scan US iPhones for child sex abuse images

Apple will introduce child sexual abuse material detection for US users later this year, but some experts are worried that the technology could be repurposed to scan phones for other kinds of content Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Why the government’s Innovation Strategy must not become a missed opportunity

The UK has a problem with R&D spending, but the new government plan to address this leaves too many important decisions unresolved Continue Reading

By

• Julian David, TechUK

Firms struggle to manage their innovation ecosystems

A lack of governance and performance mechanisms is hindering firms from getting the most out of suppliers in their innovation ecosystems Continue Reading

By

• Ilan Oshri, Heiner Himmelreich, Hrishi Hrishikesh, Anton Vlasic and Evelien Scherp

CIO interview: Michael Voegele, CDIO, Philip Morris International

Tobacco giant’s CDIO is helping to transform the company’s business model through smart use of technology Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

Unit4 doubles down on APAC business

Supplier of mid-market ERP systems Unit4 is investing in a research and development centre in Jakarta as part of efforts to win market share from established players Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Executive interview: Chris McShane, MD, Halfords Mobile Experts

Cycling and motoring retailer Halfords has developed its own service management software, which it is now taking to market Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

The fears and benefits of virtualising reality

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine the mingling of virtual and physical worlds and find positive applications and worrisome implications from augmented reality. We find out how to run a virtual hackathon during the pandemic – pizza still included. And we look at how to improve performance of your private cloud. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Technical debt is holding back innovation

Technical debt is limiting seven in 10 companies in their capacity to innovate, according to a global study Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Almost half unaware of GP data-sharing plans

Around half of adults in England – approximately 20 million people – remain unaware of the scope of the NHS GPDPR programme, prompting calls for a public education campaign Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

CVO (Chief Visionary Officer)

The Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) is a newer title where the holder is expected to have a broad and comprehensive knowledge of all matters related to the business of the organization, as well as the vision required to steer its course into the future. Continue Reading

By

• Katie Terrell Hanna

Running a virtual hackathon

DWP Digital recently organised a virtual hackathon. We find out how it went, and the key takeaways Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Solent NHS Trust takes self-service route for sexual health

NHS trust deploys an integrated sexual health self-service system, digitally triaging patients and aiming to drive proactive intervention Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Digital manufacturing industry gets £53m government funding boost

Money will be used to create five digital manufacturing research centres, a digital supply chain innovation hub and to fund 37 industry projects Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Welsh media industry gets £22.2m innovation funding package

As part of plans to make the UK a global innovation hub by 2035, as set out in its innovation strategy, the UK government is pumping £22.2m into the media.cymru programme Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Legacy IT issues impacted government decision-making during Covid-19, says PAC

The government’s ability to make well-informed decisions during the pandemic has been ‘hampered’ by data and legacy IT issues, Public Accounts Committee report finds Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Can India become a global manufacturing hub?

India can be a major player in the global manufacturing supply chain by shoring up IP protection and tapping opportunities in contract manufacturing and firmware design Continue Reading

By

• Pratima Harigunani

UK government publishes full Innovation Strategy

Strategy aims to put the UK at the global forefront of science, research and innovation Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Interview: Sarah Wilkinson, former CEO, NHS Digital

In her exit interview with Computer Weekly, NHS Digital’s former CEO Sarah Wilkinson talks about the organisation’s transformation over the past few years, the Covid-19 pandemic, bureaucracy challenges and big wins Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Covid-19 creates opportunity to digitally transform justice system, says TechUK

The pandemic has accelerated the use of digital in the UK justice system but challenges remain, leaving it ripe for reform with data at its heart, says industry body Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Government shares vision for digitised energy system as it pursues net-zero emissions target

Strategy is geared towards readying the UK energy system for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable power through digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Caroline Donnelly, Senior Editor, UK

Nordic banks join forces to compete with fintechs

Collaboration will be key for traditional Nordic banks to retain business amid intense competition from tech companies Continue Reading

By

• Gerard O'Dwyer

Fujitsu uses quantum-inspired algorithm to tackle space waste

A UK Space Agency project is being used to showcase how a quantum-inspired algorithm can work out the best way to manage space debris Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NHS Digital tightens rules for GPDPR data scrape

The proposed collection of patient data held by GPs will now only commence when three key criteria have been fulfilled, says NHS Digital Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Volvo: Our friends in software

We speak to Volvo’s head of software platform about the company’s strategy to build a software-defined car Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Ripe for change – mixing digital innovation with traditional winemaking

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how global winemaker Concha y Toro uses the latest tech to enhance 150-year old traditional processes. Pharma giant GSK explains how an API strategy is changing its business model. And we talk to retailers using video technology to bridge the gap between in-store and online selling. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Chelsea and Westminster NHS launches acute Covid app

The app aims to work as a one-stop Covid-19 information and resource shop for doctors and nurses working with coronavirus patients Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK workforce needs reskilling for net-zero transition

Green Jobs Taskforce report looks at how the UK’s workforce can be skilled up to support the transition to net zero Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

CIO interview: Sylvain Filippi, managing director and CTO, Envision Virgin Racing

The motorsport company’s managing director and chief technology officer wants to use data and technology to prove benefits of electric vehicles and win “in the right way” Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

More than half of European IT outsourcing spending will soon be on cloud services

Cloud services will soon be the largest part of the IT services market in Europe, as enterprises invest in them as part of their Covid-19 recovery strategies Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

London announces winners of Covid-19 recovery innovation challenge

The Mayor’s Resilience Fund called for ideas to support businesses and communities emerge from the pandemic, and there are some standout winners Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

Regional cyber clusters score £700k of funding

DCMS has awarded £700,000 of funding to a network of 20 regional cyber clusters Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

BMW launches quantum challenge for automotive sector

Car maker is encouraging researchers and startups to submit industry-specific algorithms that take advantage of quantum computing Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Home Office launches three-year digital strategy

The strategy sets out six principles, aiming to reduce cost and complexity while driving innovation and developing better digital products and services Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Driving intelligence – behind the scenes of Volkswagen’s in-car software

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we go behind the scenes of Volkswagen’s in-car software R&D centre. The UK’s largest supercomputer has gone live in Cambridge – we find out how it will transform healthcare research. And we talk to DWP’s digital chief about the restructuring of its IT capabilities. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Tech and new experiences tackling trouble at t’mall

UK shopping centres are under pressure, but new concepts, tech-infused spaces, and fresh approaches to consumer engagement are revitalising the sector Continue Reading

By

• Ben Sillitoe

How GSK Consumer Healthcare builds out its platform business

GSK Consumer Healthcare’s products are sold through retailers and chemist shops, and it is now connecting directly with consumers through APIs Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Developers have a moral duty to create ethical AI

Corsight AI publishes report on how organisations can develop more human-centric AI and biometric technologies Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

CIO interview: Claire Dickson, group CIO, DS Smith

Settling into her new role, Claire Dickson is working with the business to make strategic progress, smart, data-led changes and create a five-year digital strategy Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

Why identity is the central problem for the future of the internet

As debate rages over who has the right to control user identities online, is the concept of decentralised identity about to have its day? Continue Reading

By

• Nick Lambert

CIO interview: Ian Cohen, CPIO, Acacium Group

Acacium’s chief product and information officer joined the healthcare specialist in the midst of the pandemic, and is responsible for data, product, business process and automation Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

CW Middle East: Pandemic speeds up edtech revolution in Gulf

One of the lessons the Covid-19 pandemic has taught governments across the world is that education providers can still teach when their premises are inaccessible. Read how organisations in the Gulf region’s education sector have been quick to adopt the latest education technology, known as edtech, to help in this endeavour. Also read in this issue how Indian IT services company TCS is bringing together universities, businesses, tech startups and government to work on sustainability challenges. Continue Reading

Social robots on the rise in the Netherlands

The acceptance of robots being used in everyday life is making significant strides, but this is just the beginning Continue Reading

By

• Kim Loohuis

Former Bank of England CIO joins Co-op Group as CTO

Rob Elsey joins the Co-op Group at a time when the organisation is undergoing major digital transformation Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

NCS outlines regional expansion plans

IT service provider NCS is going after the high-growth markets of Australia and the Greater China region with core technology and industry-specific offerings as it pits itself against global rivals Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

The beneficial (and frightening) implications of virtualising reality

The mingling of virtual and physical worlds promises many beneficial and entertaining applications, but there are also some truly worrisome implications of augmented reality Continue Reading

By

• Martin Schwirn, Computer Weekly

Bank of England searches for new CIO amid once-in-a-generation project

The Bank of England is recruiting a head of IT during a period of major change in its core IT system Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

Nordic fintech could lead the world

Will the Nordics become the fintech and open banking innovation capital of the world? Continue Reading

By

• Alex Cruickshank

UnaBiz makes foray into Japan

The Singapore-based IoT technology provider has opened an office in Tokyo to tap the groundswell of IoT deployments in utilities and other sectors Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

CIO interview: Simon McKinnon, chief digital and information officer, DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions’ CDIO sheds light on its digital ambitions and how it is bringing more digital capability in-house through the integration of Benefits and Pension Digital Technology Services staff Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Klarna’s alumni thrive with new ventures after witnessing path to success

Former Klarna employees are using their experiences with the fintech giant to create the next wave of Swedish tech startups Continue Reading

By

• Matthew Staff

UK needs legislation with specific focus on biometric technologies

The UK’s former biometrics commissioner has told MPs that Parliament should explicitly legislate on the use of biometric technologies so it is clear to both police and private companies which uses are acceptable Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Post-pandemic recovery drives NHS digitisation

NHS staff see a role for remote healthcare to enable the health service to keep up with increased demands, according to iGov survey Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Why data and the pandemic are ripping up paper processes

We explore how the Covid-19 pandemic has forced businesses to rip out traditional paper processes and replace them with end-to-end digitisation Continue Reading

By

• Marc Ambasna-Jones

AWS launches bug-busting programme for developers

Amazon Web Services is inviting customers to probe their code for software bugs and vulnerabilities using its CodeGuru console Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

Online Safety Bill unfit for purpose, says new campaign group

Campaign group set up to oppose Online Safety Bill says the duty of care is too simplistic, cedes too much power to US corporations and will, in practice, privilege the speech of journalists or politicians Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

IBM serves more AI power at Wimbledon 2021

The annual Wimbledon tennis championship is an event IBM uses to showcase the insights possible using Watson-based artificial intelligence applications Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Bahrain university uses Alexa on campus

University in Bahrain is using Amazon’s Alexa digital assistant to support users of its campus Continue Reading

By

• Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA

EU regulators call for ban on biometrics in public spaces

European Union’s data protection regulators say facial recognition and other biometric identification technologies present too great a risk to fundamental human rights to be allowed in public spaces Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

CDEI: UK public wants clear algorithmic transparency policies

A research exercise by the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation has found the UK public wants clear, easy-to-understand information about algorithms in use by the public sector Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Boris Johnson unveils plans for National Science and Technology Council

Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced plans to set up a National Science and Technology Council, which will help the UK realise and maximise the opportunities of scientific and technological breakthroughs Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

GlobalFoundries to open new fab in Singapore

US chip foundry GlobalFoundries is building a $4bn semiconductor fabrication plant in Singapore to expand its manufacturing capacity as chip demand surges worldwide Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

CIO interview: Daniel Duran, CIO, Concha y Toro

Winemaker Concha y Toro’s CIO talks about how to combine 150 years of winemaking tradition with pioneering technology Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

NHSX set to unveil post-Covid data strategy

The smart use of patient data could power new AI-based healthcare systems and speed up the discovery of new treatments Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NHS App reaches six million users, thanks to Covid vaccine feature

More than two million new users have downloaded the NHS App since it was updated in May to include Covid-19 vaccination status Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

ICO issues guidance on facial recognition in public spaces

Information commissioner’s concern over the problematic use of facial recognition in public spaces has prompted her to publish official guidance on its deployment, while civil society calls for an outright ban Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Lorca Ignite programme targets breakout cyber talent

Six of the most successful companies to have come through Lorca’s existing accelerators are being inducted into an intensive programme Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

UK taskforce calls for cutting GDPR protections

The UK’s Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform has recommended scrapping safeguards against automated decision-making contained in the General Data Protection Regulation Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Technology takes centre stage in UK government reform

The government’s tech recovery programme includes a pledge to shift towards data interoperability and phasing out legacy systems Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

GDS to improve Gov.uk with user monitoring

Gov.uk’s measurement approach is expected to enhance the experience of 335 million users of the government’s online platform Continue Reading

By

• Angelica Mari

CIO interview: Warren Breakstone, S&P Global Market Intelligence

S&P’s managing director and chief product officer for data management solutions talks about using data to make better decisions and how to continue innovating in a fast-moving market Continue Reading

By

• Mark Samuels

Tech features high on McKinsey’s disruption list

The management consulting firm has published a list of innovations that could disrupt business models, with many related to IT Continue Reading

Singapore universities to develop cooling solutions for tropical datacentres

The National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University will research on cooling technologies that help to lower the power consumption and carbon footprint of topical datacentres Continue Reading

By

• Aaron Tan, TechTarget

Amazon Web Services launches space tech accelerator

Accelerator will see a cohort of 10 space startups use AWS to accelerate their research, development and growth Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Discovering great ideas – innovation at the Discovery Channel

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the owner of the Discovery Channel about how collaboration software enabled a culture of innovation. Our latest buyer’s guide looks at developments in cloud printing technology. And we hear from the technology chief at Rightmove about the online property site’s digital transformation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Scottish government awards digital identity platform contract to Scott Logic

Supplier is working on a two-year project to create a digital identity service through a suite of common platforms that will be adopted across Scottish government Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

Europe’s proposed AI regulation falls short on protecting rights

The European Commission’s proposal for artificial intelligence regulation focuses on creating a risk-based, market-led approach replete with self-assessments, transparency procedures and technical standards, but critics warn it falls short of being able to protect people’s fundamental rights and mitigating the technology’s worst abuses Continue Reading

By

• Sebastian Klovig Skelton, Data & ethics editor

Can technology help save the world’s oceans?

To tie in with World Oceans Day earlier this month, IBM hosted a panel discussion on the potential to use IT to support sustainable fishing Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

UK and US to develop tech and science partnership

Partnership will explore collaboration in areas such as innovation, research, defence, security, intelligence and law enforcement, as well as making sure technology is ‘used as a force for good’ Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad

UK altnets to invest nearly £12bn in fibre by 2025

Massive investments imminent by independent broadband providers to drive the creation and realisation of Gigabit Britain Continue Reading

By

• Joe O’Halloran, Computer Weekly

Google plots a course to address AI in manufacturing

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to change every industry – Google has set its sights on manufacturing Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

Cisco reveals new Webex to power ‘inclusive’ future of work

Collaboration suite has new look and feel, and supports hybrid work collaboration at what is claimed to be 40% lower cost than à-la-carte systems Continue Reading

By

• Joe O’Halloran, Computer Weekly

How Discovery Inc spots great ideas

Many people talk about creating a culture of innovation, but this can take a lot of effort for organisations to do. We look at Discovery Inc's approach Continue Reading

By

• Cliff Saran, Managing Editor

NHS Digital delays data collection plans until September

NHS Digital has postponed its proposed collection of GP data for two months, to allow more time for the public to understand the process and opt out if wanted Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

National data guardian calls for dialogue on NHS Digital GP plans

The UK’s national data guardian says it is important the public has clarity on how their confidential medical information will be used and kept secure under NHS data-sharing plans Continue Reading

By

• Alex Scroxton, Security Editor

MoD launches digital strategy

The Ministry of Defence aims to invest an additional £1.6bn in digital over the next 10 years, and plans to establish a federated ecosystem of digital innovators and developers to ensure continuous progress Continue Reading

By

• Lis Evenstad