Remarks on The UK Science and Technology Framework 2023
Insights from TPEX consultancy for decision makers.
UK technologies of interest
Written SH on 2023-04-13.
The UK Science and Technology Framework provides an opportunity to see what the UK government currently is willing to highlight as potential technologies of interest and associated risk and opportunities.
5 critical technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Engineering biology, Future telecommunications, Semiconductors and Quantum technologies.DSIT., 2023. The UK Science and Technology Framework. online.
It is interesting that of the highlighted critical technologies that there are few surprises in the list other than perhaps the lack of inclusion of sustainable space access as a critical technology capability. The framework text makes it clear what the purpose of identifying critical technologies is,
‘identifying critical technologies’ is a unique strand of this Science and Technology Framework that is about choosing which critical technologies the UK should focus on to build strategic advantage.DSIT., 2023. The UK Science and Technology Framework. online.
We can perhaps anticipate government focus as a consequence of these critical technologies but it should be remembered that emergence of un-anticipated technologies or events is likely to shift priorities quickly. It also interesting to note the interdependence of these technologies in that the improved semiconductors and telecommunications are likely to aid in the proliferation of AI systems.
Tenth Person
Technology development is inevitable facilitated through funding and government focus. However there will always be the possibility of a disruptive technological development, especially when considered in the time frame of government procurement. High-speed rail progress in the UK in 2023 is an example of this.
Future Imagining
Here we see the identification of potentially near future technological developments, but what is beyond these? Teleporters? Faster than light travel, time machines or perhaps advancements in economic theory?
References
DSIT. 2023. The UK Science and Technology Framework.URL.
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