It’s hoped new technologies such as AI and drones could be implemented quicker after the setting up of a dedicated new office aimed at cutting red tape on innovation.

The new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) is designed to reduce the burden for businesses hoping to bring new products and services to the market.

One of the sectors it has a remit to speed up is connected and autonomous technology. It says greater support could also enable more drones to be used by businesses across the UK, building on projects like the drone service used by Royal Mail to deliver to Orkney and improving efficiency.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology says it will support regulators to update regulation, speeding up approvals, and ensuring different regulatory bodies work together smoothly and “it will work to continuously inform the government of regulatory barriers to innovation, set priorities for regulators which align with the government’s broader ambitions and support regulators to develop the capability they need to meet them and grow the economy.”

The new Office will work closely with the Department for Transport to address regulatory barriers in these initial growth areas.

Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, 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.”

(Picture – DSIT)