Government to “kickstart data revolution” with new job growth strategy

The government has announced a new growth strategy to kickstart the UK’s “data revolution”.

Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden has today launched a National Data Strategy, setting out the action the government will take to support the use of data in the UK.

According to the strategy, 500 data analysts across the public sector will be trained in data science by 2021, alongside a new £2.6m project to address barriers to data sharing and support innovation in the detection of online threats

In addition, Downing Street is set to offer up to ten fellowships each year in a bid to attract ‘world-class’ tech talent to the heart of government.

Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden commented: “Our response to coronavirus has shown just how much we can achieve when we can share high-quality data quickly, efficiently and ethically. I don’t intend to let that lesson go to waste.

“Our new National Data Strategy will maintain the high watermark of data use set during the pandemic - freeing up businesses, government and organisations to innovate, experiment and drive a new era of growth.

“I am absolutely clear that data and data use are opportunities to be embraced, rather than a threat to be guarded against. It aims to make sure British businesses are in a position to make the most of the digital revolution over the years and decades to come, help us use data to improve people’s lives, and position the UK as a global champion of data use.”

Sue Daley, associate director of technology and innovation at techUK, added: “Unlocking the full power of data has never been more important to our economy and society.

“A national data vision and strategy for realising the full economic and social value of data is vital to driving social good, innovation, competition, economic growth, productivity and job creation.”