Government announces new innovation unit to cut red tape for new technologies

The government is to launch a new office aimed at reducing the burden of red tape and speeding up access to innovative new products and services.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said that the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) will work with regulators to update regulation, remove outdated rules and deliver faster approvals of new products and services in fast-growing sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drones.

The government pledged that as a result, groundbreaking technologies, like AI for better treatments in the NHS and drones delivering emergency supplies, could reach the public quicker and boost economic growth.

Alongside AI in healthcare and connected and autonomous technology, RIO will initially also focus on space (which includes everything from GPS on phones to vital communication systems), and engineering biology (the use of synthetic biology and biotechnology to create new products and services derived from organic sources).

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 annoucement of RIO, for which the role of its first chair is being advertised, comes ahead of the government's International Investment Summit on 14 October, where chancellor Rachel Reeves has said she "will make clear that the UK is open for business".

Reeves will also deliver the new Labour government's first Budget on 30 October, for which Enterprise Nation has submitted 21 small business recommendations.