The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced that access to new technology that can drive benefits across the public sector can now be sped up thanks to the establishment of a new office that will cut through red tape.
The new Regulatory Innovation Office will speed up the time in which businesses can bring products and services to market that will support improvements in public sector organisations, such as training software in health or support for remote communities. Doing this, regulations will be updated and regulatory bodies will be supported to work together smoothly in support of the government’s ambitions.
Four rapidly growing areas will be the focus of the RIO’s work, as it looks to support the new technology to make a difference to communities, before then expanding as time goes on. These areas are:
- Engineering biology
- Space
- Artificial intelligence
- Connected and autonomous technology

Peter Kyle, Science and Technology Secretary, said:
“The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office, a key manifesto commitment, is a big step forward in bringing the UK’s most promising new technologies to the public faster and safely while kickstarting economic growth.
“By speeding up approvals, providing regulatory certainty and reducing unnecessary delays, we’re curbing the burden of red tape so businesses and our public services can innovate and grow, which means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a better quality of life for people across the UK.
“From breakthroughs that could help doctors diagnose illnesses earlier to satellite navigation for more accurate weather forecasting and getting emergency supplies to where they are needed, quickly and effectively, RIO will make sure UK companies are at the forefront of the next generation of technologies.”
The next step for the new office will be for the Science and Technology Secretary to appoint the first Chair of the body, with this role involving taking the lead in supporting businesses and driving safe innovation. The Chair will also work alongside regulators and partners to ensure that the regulatory environment that is formed is ready for the future. Applications for this role are now open.
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