Every parliamentary written question tabled by Andrew Griffith this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 81–89 of 89 · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Innovation and Technology, what steps he plans to take to help improve the Office for Life Sciences.
The life sciences sector will play a crucial role in both kickstarting economic growth and building an NHS fit for the future. We plan to strengthen the Office for Life Sciences, so that it is politically empowered to truly drive delivery across government. We will bolster the Office for Life Science’s operation across departments to cement this sector’s world-leading status.
Innovation and Technology, what information the Intellectual Property Office holds on the number of patents registered in June 2024.
There were 691 patents granted (registered) by the Intellectual Property Office in June 2024.
Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the potential introduction of expanded AI regulation.
In the King’s speech we committed to establishing appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models. As we develop these, we recognise the need to engage with a range of international partners. This includes engaging with the US, who are a key science and technology partner, to discuss our respective approaches, as well as working alongside them and other partners in the G7, OECD, UN and other international fora.
Innovation and Technology, what his (a) projected budget and (b) planned timetable is for the creation of the National Data Library.
The Government will create a National Data Library to make it easier to access public sector data, help deliver data-driven public services, support our research sector, and create opportunities for economic growth. The National Data Library will include strong safeguards and maximise public benefit. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is leading planning of the National Data Library, including the projected budget and delivery milestones.
Innovation and Technology, when he plans to establish the Regulatory Innovation Office; and what the budget will be for that office.
In our manifesto, the government announced its intent to establish a Regulatory Innovation Office. I am working with officials to define initial areas of focus, whilst developing long term plans to ensure the RIO can support economic growth through regulatory innovation. Further detail will be announced in due course.
Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Independent review of university spin-out companies, published on 21 November 2023, what steps his Department plans to take to support the growth of university spin-out companies.
Universities have a vital role to play in supporting the Government’s growth mission; in 2021/22 university spin-outs raised £5.29 billion in investment. As stated in our manifesto, the Government will work with universities to support spin-outs which play a vital role in creating the innovations that will support our national Missions. We welcome the work that Irene Tracey and Andrew Williamson produced for the independent review and will consider their recommendations carefully.
Innovation and Technology, what funding his Department has allocated to help reach (a) full gigabit, (b) full superfast and (c) national 5G coverage by 2030.
Over £1.6 billion of contracts have already been announced as part of Project Gigabit, to extend the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband beyond commercially viable areas across the UK. A further £1 billion of funding is proposed in live and upcoming procurements. Superfast broadband is already available in 98% of homes and business premises. Non-standalone 5G is available outside 92% of UK premises and two of the four Mobile Network Operators have begun to deploy standalone 5G. The previous government set an ambition for nationwide standalone 5G coverage in populated areas by 2030, but attached no government subsidy to this.
Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is to appoint the chair of Building Digital UK.
Following the announcement of Simon Blagden’s resignation on 19 July 2024, the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology is working at pace to appoint an interim Chair of Building Digital UK. We will confirm in due course the timelines for the permanent Governance of BDUK.
Innovation and Technology, how many diversity, equality and inclusion officers his Department employs.
Currently, the Department employs two staff whose role is solely dedicated to diversity and inclusion the focus of these roles is on compliance with the statutory obligations, including the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), and delivering key priorities, as set out in the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and the Civil Service People Plan.