The chief technical officer at pan-European fiber operator Interoute questions the lack of reference to the technology industry in the UK’s annual budget, which was revealed mid-week.
Matthew Finnie points out previous pledges of investment in the tech sector appear to have fallen by the wayside in the latest budget and says the omission is disappointing.
“Last year we were inspired with the promise of incentives to support UK tech investment, and a vow to make the UK the tech centre of Europe. But [chancellor] George Osboune was curiously quiet on this…leaving us to wonder what has happened to last year’s bold claims.”
While Finnie notes the recent budget is clearly focused on reducing the UK’s national deficit, he questions the logic of ignoring the contribution the tech industry can make to the reduction efforts. “[I]n today’s internet focused world, surely there’s no doubt that encouraging our technology industry is absolutely key to economic growth and success?”
Finnie concludes by noting that the UK has the potential to be a world leader in technology, but only if it receives the “right support and investment.”