25 Mar 2021

techUK launches new Edge Computing Report showcasing business transformation at the Edge

In this new report, techUK explores the integral role of the Edge for UK businesses to respond, adapt, and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic

techUK has launched a new report showcasing the transformative and integral role Edge Computing will play in 2021 and beyond for business transformation in the UK.

Click on the image to access the report

The Future of Business Transformation is at the Edge report sets out why the UK Government, industry and academia need to work together to realise the full potential of Edge Computing.

The events of 2020 emphasised the role technology such as Edge Computing can play in helping organisations to adapt and respond quickly and efficiently to unprecedented situations and events. In 2021, techUK believes Edge Computing will continue to grow as a driver of emerging technology. This is because the adoption of Edge Computing can help businesses strengthen their digital infrastructure, build flexibility and resiliency into their operations as well as realise the full economic potential of innovative technologies such as 5G and Machine Learning.

This report builds upon techUK’s member-led Edge Computing campaign in 2020, drawing on industry expertise from across the technology ecosystem and outlines five issues as key areas identified through that campaign. These five areas are where action is now needed to ensure the UK is a leader in Edge deployment.

The five key areas are:

Equip organisations with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to adopt Edge Computing
Recognise Edge Computing as key to the UK’s future in the upcoming Digital Strategy and the plan for growth.
Increase partnership and collaboration between academia, research institutions and industry to explore and encourage wider applications of Edge
Develop research into the sustainability impacts and environmental potential of Edge Computing
Address cyber security concerns and build trust and confidence in Edge

Sue Daley, Director for Technology & Innovation at techUK said:

“There is a huge opportunity for Edge to digitally transform UK businesses – which we are already seeing through the role of Mobile Edge Computing in the telecommunications sector, and the relationship between Edge Computing and connected and autonomous vehicles. Through this report, techUK are showcasing why Edge deserves to be at the forefront of business innovation, and why we need to ensure organisations, of all sizes and sectors, are ready, willing and able to embrace Edge Computing.”

Clay Van Doren, CEO, Atos UK and Ireland:

“As an emerging technology, Edge Computing is already delivering significant gains through its real-time computing and data analytics at source abilities. As the need for organisations to use their data more effectively to gain competitive advantage grows, the powerful opportunities of edge-based solutions must be seen as a critical enabler within a wider digital transformation programme.”

Alongside the release of this new report, techUK has also recorded this podcast with industry experts exploring the Edge ecosystem in the UK.

Thank you to all techUK members who have helped and contributed to this report

Sue Daley

Director, Technology and Innovation

Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.

This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy. She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame. A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK Sue is co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.

Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 020 7331 2055
Twitter:: @ChannelSwimSue,@ChannelSwimSue

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Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.