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Next London Mayor ‘should prioritise tech’

London city hall

Three tech and policy organisations from London have published a manifesto which outlines the steps needed for the city’s next Mayor to bolster its technology sector.

Published by Tech London Advocates, techUK and Centre for London, the Mayoral Tech Manifesto 2016 offers 13 police recommendations cross five different areas: future-proofing London, infrastructure, investment and funding, skills and immigration, and digital London.

Charlotte Holloway, associate director at techUK, said: “London’s fast-changing tech scene is looking for a Mayor with pro-innovation reflexes, who also understands how the latest in digital can benefit all Londoners.

We need a forward-looking City Hall that leads by example, from championing Digital Government to opening up the City’s data to sticking up for London on the need for skilled migration,” Holloway added.

As part of its recommendations, the Manifesto outlined the need for the city’s mayor to employ a chief digital officer to improve both public and private services.

Additionally, it also suggested that a comprehensive London-wide innovation audit should be carried out to asses the effect of regulation on new digital services being offered across the capital.

The Manifesto also noted the need to establish a tech talent pipeline that would see educators and entrepreneurs work together to equip Londoners with the digital skills required to succeed.

Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates, added: “The next Mayor of London will take office in the unrivalled digital capital of Europe. The technology sector represents the best of London business – driving innovation, job creation and economic growth across the capital.

“Over the past five years, the technology industry has become a community it is impossible for City Hall to ignore. Our Mayoral Tech Manifesto brings together the voice of the technology community and policy experts to articulate the challenges faced by the industry and what is required from the next Mayor of London to support this dynamic industry,” concluded Shaw.

Informed by a poll of more than 300 members of the city’s tech community, the research also highlighted the shortage of talent as the biggest challenge facing London’s tech sector.

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