2023年英国科技报告：创新之国

UK Tech Sector Overview

Executive Summary The UK's tech sector has shown significant growth and resilience from 2019 to 2023, marked by substantial equity investments and the development of tech hubs across the country. The sector's strength is highlighted by the continuous growth in new company formations since 2013, with London serving as a major hub for existing high-growth tech companies. However, the innovation landscape extends nationwide, with notable clusters in Leeds, Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Bristol. These cities benefit from strong partnerships between business and academia, particularly in fields like biotech, artificial intelligence, robotics, and aerospace.

Key Data Points

• Equity Investments: Despite a 27.2% drop in total equity investment for private UK firms between 2022 and 2023, certain regions showed resilience:
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 19.9% growth in funding.
  • Wales: 8.74% growth in funding.
  • Grant Funding: Significant increases across half of the 12 constituent countries and regions of the UK.
• Government Support: The UK Science and Technology Framework, launched in March 2023, aims to position the UK as a top global tech player by 2030. Initiatives include enhancing digital infrastructure, tackling industry challenges, and promoting skills bootcamps in high-demand digital fields like software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
• Opportunities: The tech sector is poised for growth in areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and clean energy technologies, offering significant opportunities for global competitiveness.

Regional Highlights

• Manchester: Known for its resilient and innovative spirit, Manchester has become a beacon of technological advancement and a hub for tech talent.
• Edinburgh: Leading in biotech and artificial intelligence, with high-growth companies.
• Bristol: Thriving in robotics and aerospace technology.
• Wales: Surging by 83% in the technology sector since 2010, reaching an estimated value of £8.2 billion by 2022. Wales excels in creative industries, supported by organizations like Media Cymru, Ffilm Cymru, and Creative Wales.
• Glasgow: Emerging as a significant player in the UK's tech ecosystem, driven by the Innovation District.

Survey Analysis

• Survey Objectives: To evaluate the factors influencing the success and challenges faced by high-growth UK tech businesses, including access to capital, talent, government and regulation, access to facilities, exits, and international markets.
• Participants: 2,500 individuals within the tech sector.
• Findings: Insights into the current business landscape, highlighting areas of opportunity and concern, with a focus on the need for continued government support and skill development.

Conclusion The UK's tech sector faces both challenges and opportunities, with government support playing a crucial role in fostering growth and innovation. The ecosystem is well-positioned for sustained growth, driven by the government's focus on digital skills, R&D tax credits, and initiatives to encourage investment in tech startups.