Admittedly - and to the alarm of my peers - I don’t like the term ‘ecosystem’. Without context, it can sometimes feel like an empty word, thrown around for effect, rather than definition. However, that isn’t to take away from the pivotal role both large-scale and micro-ecosystems play in the growth of our tech sector. I’ve come to terms with my angst, adopted the vocab and grown to use it – often!
According to the Cambridge dictionary, an ecosystem is ‘a complicated system consisting of many different people, processes and activities, especially relating to technology and the way that they affect each other.’ With the key points from the phrase being its complexity and influence, it’s crucial that founders and stakeholders have a platform to navigate opportunities and support in the macro and microenvironments of tech and innovation.
In an election year, it’s arguably more important than ever that the tech sector is united on the industry’s investment, growth and innovation ambitions. Digital innovation is set to transform our lives, with the ability to resolve an array of societal, economic, and environmental issues. However, for the rate of innovation to accelerate, so does public and private sector investment. With this in mind, our regional, national, and global tech ecosystems must keep coming together to discuss the latest innovations, be clear on their ask from policymakers, and spotlight the successes to unlock further noise around investment.
The importance of ecosystems and the role they play in driving innovation came to the forefront of my conversations at Climb24. I joined the ‘Harnessing Collective Genius’ panel alongside founders and leading voices from other ecosystem platforms, such as Turing Innovation Catalyst, Tech North Advocates and Startup Grind, to discuss how the industry should be amplifying and leveraging the many different voices within our ecosystems to highlight the exciting opportunity that the tech sector has to offer.
Building platforms that hold purpose
Each party’s manifesto suggests that each candidate sees the value that the tech sector holds for the future, with Labour stating that ‘technology is the vehicle to solve some of the societal challenges that the UK faces’. From economic delivery to health and environmental efficiency and advancements, investment in technology is referenced across the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour manifestos alike, with each of them making commitments to R&D. Although, while they are all in agreement on the value of the tech sector, their plans and priorities differ.
The inevitability of change within the sector should act as a driver to our tech ecosystems. Now is not the time to come to a standstill and leave the power in the hands of the policymaker. Instead, we need to create and promote the spaces and networks to accelerate innovation, showcase the potential of our thriving tech clusters to wider stakeholders, and bring attention to the needs of our regions.
Our regional Tech Climbers list is one of many community platforms operating in - and showcasing - the Northern tech ecosystems in the UK. Turing Innovation Catalyst in Manchester, incubated by The University of Manchester, is working to diversify, connect, and accelerate Greater Manchester’s AI ecosystem, while private companies such as Northern Gritstone and Praetura Ventures are creating opportunities and support for investment. And with all these initiatives in the room, and given the platform at key industry events such as ClimbUK, Liverpool Slush’d and London Tech Week, it’s becoming easier for founders to identify opportunities and navigate the complex, competitive landscape.
Continuing to amplify voices within our ecosystems
Panel events, pitching and fireside chats have successfully been an effective platform of choice to spotlight founder journeys, engage investors, and elicit insights from advisors, but are there opportunities through these conversations to harness better data in our ecosystems to inform policy and connect with political leaders? Now is the time, in periods of change to elevate our message - whether that be in the form of reports, case studies, hot topics and news updates. We must offer the voices of influence in our ecosystems the tools to back up our statements, so that collectively we can highlight regional and national innovation success and opportunity to not only drive confidence but action too.
Stepping into the opportunity with open boundaries
Geographical boundaries need to be forgotten because tech (for the most part) doesn’t have any. As Liz Scott MBE cites regularly, ‘As regional ecosystems, we need to stop pitching ourselves against London and look holistically at the amazing global tech hub that exists in the UK, which should be seen as an advantage and exciting opportunity to be tapped into.’
Whatever the result of the election, it’s undeniable that the tech sector will play a key role in delivering against any government’s sustainability, societal, security and economic targets. So, our ecosystems, at this point in time more than any, must effectively enhance a two-way conversation with political figures, regional authorities and national policymakers.
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