The UK should lead developing the Internet of Things which would transform the way we live and deliver benefits to the economy, according to a report.
The report states the Internet of Things – where digital networks are connecting everyday objects so data can be shared – creates enormous opportunities for both the private sector and government to benefit.
The new technology also has the potential to be applied in many areas of everyday life, transforming the way we use energy, how we travel and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
It is estimated the number of connected devices could potentially reach up to 100bn globally by 2020 and industry estimates also suggest that these technologies could have a global value of nearly £10tn by then.
The Government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Mark Walport, said: “We will only get the best from these technologies if academics, business leaders and government work together to ensure they deliver the greatest possible benefit to the public. This is why an Advisory Board would be able to lead on unlocking the full potential of these technologies.”
Minister for Government Policy, Oliver Letwin commented: “This is an incredible opportunity and it’s incumbent on all of us – government, industry and the UK research base – to make sure we exploit this opportunity as effectively as possible.”
Some of the review’s findings include that government should support the development of standards that are open, interoperable and secure and an Internet of Things Advisory Board, bringing together private and public sectors, should be created to allow for greater coordination of funding and support for the relevant technologies.
The report also listed ideas on how the Government should work with industry and international partners to agree best security and privacy principles, and the creation of an open data sharing across all public bodies and regulated industries which should enable the innovative use of real-time public data.
Other ideas included maixmising the connectivity and continuity of devices by working in partnership with industry, the regulator and academia.
The report clarified the importance of Government, the education sector and businesses prioritising efforts to supply capable data scientists through school learning and tertiary education.
