The UK government has announced a new department, the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO). The department, housed under the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), aims to ‘reduce the burden of red tape and speed up access to new technologies that improve our daily lives – from AI [artificial intelligence] in healthcare to emergency delivery drones’.

A strategic shift for the tech sector

The RIO was a key Labour manifesto commitment ahead of the 2024 UK general election. Since Labour’s resounding election victory, many in the tech sector have been keenly waiting for news about the RIO.

The office is not intended to add extra regulatory burden to tech companies. Rather, it is designed to support regulators to update regulation, speed up approvals, and ensure different regulatory bodies work together smoothly. This streamlining could be particularly beneficial for small businesses and independent app developers, who often face more barriers when navigating regulatory complexities. The RIO will also act as a link between government and regulators, reporting on regulatory barriers to innovation. Additionally, the RIO will have a strategic role in setting priorities and supporting regulators to help meet the government’s broader ambitions to grow the economy.

Opportunities for innovation

The department will initially focus on four strategic priorities; autonomous vehicles, digital healthcare, space, and biotechnology. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tech sector, particularly those working on digital healthcare apps or autonomous vehicle platforms, these focus areas could unlock significant opportunities for innovation and growth.

Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: ‘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.

Moving forward

Questions remain about how the department will work and whether it has the teeth to hold regulators to account. However, if the RIO delivers on its promise to reduce red tape and speed up access to new technologies, it could significantly boost the ability of UK SMEs to innovate and scale.

We encourage small business owners and developers to stay connected with ACT | The App Association for updates on how the RIO’s efforts might impact regulatory challenges and bring new opportunities to innovate. To learn more and get engaged with future UK opportunities, email Stephen Tulip here.