Healthcare regulation

New Regulatory Innovation Office to streamline access to UK market

The government has announced that a new Regulatory Innovation Office is set to speed up access to technologies by removing red tape, with some of the beneficiaries expected to be organisations looking to bring artificial intelligence and drone delivery solutions to market.

The new RIO will ultimately be focused on making it easier for commercial organisations to enter the UK market with their leading edge innovations.

It will do this by:

  • speeding up updates;
  • strengthening collaboration;
  • informing the government of barriers to innovation; and
  • setting priorities which align with wider goals and targets.

Key aims

Firstly, the new RIO sets the scene ahead of the UK hosting the International Investment Summit next Monday (14 Oct) – during which the chancellor is expected to reaffirm the mantra that the UK is ‘open for business’; especially pertinent given the recent deals within the life sciences industry.

With this in mind, the RIO will focus on supporting the four fastest growing areas of technology – engineering biology, space, AI, as well as connected and autonomous technology.

All four sectors could directly or indirectly support the NHS.

Whether that be vaccine innovation through the first sector; disaster response system improvements through better weather forecasting in the second; refining diagnostic processes or cutting administration time through AI; or making emergency deliveries to remote areas more efficient via drone travel in the fourth area.

The launch is being led by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with the new office set to work with the health, transport, and environment and food departments.

The RIO has specifically been established within DSIT, where it will incorporate the existing functions of the Regulatory Horizons Council and the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund.

Leadership undecided

Science and technology secretary Peter Kyle is still looking to appoint the RIO’s first chair – applications for an “ambitious, visionary leader” are being welcomed.

“The launch of the RIO, a key manifesto commitment, is a big step forward in bringing the UK’s most promising new technologies to the public faster and safely while kickstarting economic growth,” said Kyle.

He added: “By speeding up approvals, providing regulatory certainty and reducing unnecessary delays, we’re curbing the burden of red tape so businesses and our public services can innovate and grow, which means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a better quality of life for people across the UK.

“From breakthroughs that could help doctors diagnose illnesses earlier to satellite navigation for more accurate weather forecasting and getting emergency supplies to where they are needed, quickly and effectively, RIO will make sure UK companies are at the forefront of the next generation of technologies.”

Image credit: iStock

NHE September / October 2024

NHE September / October 2024

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