Programme of Events 2023
The Secretariat has solicited suggestions from PICTFOR’s parliamentarian, industry and stakeholder members and used the resulting priorities to form the basis of this programme of events. Topics and timings may vary to accommodate speakers’ schedules and the legislative agenda. Please note with respect to the upcoming events below that further details, including speakers and timings, will be announced at a later date, and PICTFOR plan to hold a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions, in line with parliamentary guidance and member preference.
With pressing economic concerns dominating the agenda and a General Election looming, PICTFOR is committed to making 2023 the year of solutions. The Group’s events programme is therefore closely linked to the legislative agenda and the priorities of the sector.
Furthermore, the Group plans to produce a comprehensive member-led report focusing on the links between the sector, the cost-of-living crisis, and economic growth which will look at productivity; public v private sector knowledge sharing; government support; skills; and the required investment needed to capitalise on emerging tech opportunities. We will launch the report with a parliamentary reception, following which copies will be sent to every parliamentarian in both Houses.
THEMES
Throughout each of our events below, we will cover the following broad themes through discussion:
- The Cost of Living and Economic Growth – How can the tech sector work with Parliament to help address the cost-of-living crisis and drive economic growth?
- Digital Inclusion and Skills – How can the sector use 2023 to tackle the digital divide, end digital poverty for good, and address the demand for a highly skilled digital workforce?
MARCH
The UK as a Quantum Computing Leader
How could quantum computing expand digital capabilities in the next decade and how can the UK ensure that it is world leading?
Members event – Roundtable
Date: Wednesday 8 March, via Zoom
Theme:
- Does the Quantum Strategy go far enough in establishing the UK as a quantum leader?
- What will the impact of quantum computing be on the environment and how can this be mitigated?
- How do we solve the international supply chain issues associated with quantum?
- Is the UK workforce adequately prepared to deliver on the opportunities of quantum?
- What are the practical uses of quantum we can expect to see in the next decade?
- How can the sector work with regulators to ensure standards?
- What are the implications of quantum for end-to-end encryption?
- What barriers are there to attracting skilled talent to the UK?
- How does migration to quantum align with the migration to cloud services
MAY
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Rally – ‘Celebrating Diversity in Tech’
Equipping people from all backgrounds with the necessary skills for a career in tech.
Member’s Event – Reception in the House of Commons
Date: 3 May
Theme:
- How can the digital skills agenda help tackle the socio-economic digital divide?
- How can we ensure the cost-of-living crisis does not impact the education and recruitment of the next generation of tech professionals?
- Is the UK Immigration System fit for purpose in order to attract and retain top international talent?
- How can PICTFOR members further collaborate to maintain momentum and best practice when looking to diversify the sector?
- How do we ensure that entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs have the adequate digital skills needed to compete in the online world?
The 6G Revolution – Strengthening the UK’s Wireless Infrastructure for the Next Generation
Looking at the role of Government and Industry in paving the way for a more connected future
Member’s Event: Roundtable
Date: 22 May
Theme:
- How can the UK Government support homegrown 6G technology?
- How will the PSTN switch off impact the UK and are businesses prepared for this?
- How can we embed sustainability into the next generation of wireless infrastructure?
- Does current government investment in R&D allow the UK to compete with other nations?
JUNE
The Implications of the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumer Bill
What will the wide-ranging reforms mean for the industry?
Member’s Event – Roundtable
Date: 27 June
Theme:
- Is the Bill proportionate, effective and fair?
- Is the CMA sufficiently resourced to implement its proposed new powers?
- How can we ensure consumers are kept informed on changes to the law?
- Will the proposed fines system impact negatively on the UK’s ability to attract inward investment?
- Does the Digital Markets Unit capture the correct segment of the industry?
- Does the Bill offer a more flexible counterpart to the EU’s regulatory regime?
OCTOBER
Report Launch: How can the Tech sector drive economic growth and help to address the cost of living crisis?
Member’s Event – Reception
Date: 24 October
Theme:
- Exploring the role of the tech sector and PICTFOR’s industry membership in addressing the cost-of-living crisis, driving economic growth and bridging the digital divide
Digital Regulation and Cooperation Forum
How must regulation evolve to match the tech sector?
Member’s Event – Roundtable
Date: 26 October
Theme:
- How will the Bills impact the free flow of personal data between the UK and the EU?
- Do the Bills contain sufficient safeguards to ensure data is protected?
- What can the Government do to ensure businesses have the required knowledge and resources to implement the regulation?
- What cost impact will the Bills have on British SMEs?
- How will the legislation affect privacy in the UK?
- Does the new regulatory regime encourage innovation?
Tackling safety issues for women and others online
From misogynistic abuse to the worlds of online dating and gambling, what steps are needed to empower women to feel safe online?
Member’s Event – Panel
Date: TBC
Theme:
- How can the tech sector drive a national and local campaign of sufficient and specific digital upskilling for women?
- How is pervasive online advertising targeting women struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and how can this be addressed?
- How can we encourage more women to enter the sector to help address gender bias in AI and data?
- What steps can the Government take to prevent cyberflashing and sexual harassment online?
- Beyond legislation, what steps can individual organisations take to ensure women using their services are adequately protected?
NOVEMBER
Annual Dinner – Responsible tech for an inclusive future
Member’s Event – Reception and three course dinner in House of Lords
Date: Wednesday 29 November
Theme:
- How can we ensure the UK is equipped to tackle harms from, and capitalise on the opportunities of emerging technologies such as quantum and artificial intelligence?
- How can the Government and industry work together to develop a digital specialist pipeline?
- What changes in education are needed to ensure the next generation have the skills to harness a digital future?
- How can we ensure people from marginalised groups are not left behind in an increasingly digital world?
- How can we professionalise emerging areas of our industry such as cyber security and AI?
If you would like to sponsor one of the above events or have an idea for an event you would like to sponsor, the Secretariat would love to hear from you at events@pictfor.org.uk.