Thought Piece

Response to the industrial strategy green paper consultation 

As the Chair of The Data City, I am pleased to provide our response to the “Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy” consultation. Our Real-Time Industry Classifications (RTICs) and AI Classification Technology offer a transformative approach to understanding and navigating the modern economy, which aligns closely with the goals outlined in the green paper.

Addressing the limitations of SIC codes

The current reliance on Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, last updated in 2007, presents significant challenges in accurately capturing the dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors of today’s economy. Our RTICs, powered by AI, provide a modern solution by offering real-time, precise insights into over 400 emerging sectors, including Net Zero, AgriTech, FinTech, and AI. This innovative approach ensures that policymakers, investors, and organisations have access to the most current and relevant data, enabling more informed decision-making. 

Enhancing sectoral analysis and policy development

The green paper emphasises the need for a targeted approach to industrial strategy, focusing on high-growth sectors and addressing barriers to investment. Our RTICs can significantly enhance this process by providing detailed, real-time data on sectoral performance and trends. This allows for more accurate identification of growth-driving sectors and the development of tailored policies that address specific needs and opportunities within these sectors. 

Supporting emerging technologies and sectors

The consultation document highlights the importance of supporting emerging technologies and sectors, which are often not well captured by traditional SIC codes. Our RTICs are specifically designed to address this gap, offering comprehensive classifications and insights into cutting-edge industries such as CleanTech, Cyber, and Quantum Technology. By leveraging our AI-driven classifications, the government can better understand and support these sectors, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation. 

Facilitating regional growth and cluster development

The green paper’s focus on regional growth and the development of high-potential clusters aligns with our capabilities in mapping and analysing sectoral clusters. Our RTICs can identify and track the performance of industry clusters across the UK, providing valuable data to support local growth plans and targeted interventions. This data-driven approach can help unlock the full potential of regional economies, driving investment and job creation in key sectors. 

Building high-quality data infrastructure

  1. Real-time data access and analysis: High-quality data infrastructure enables real-time access to comprehensive and accurate data. By leveraging DaaS, organisations can eliminate the need for static, outdated reports and instead access live data streams. This allows for immediate analysis and decision-making, ensuring that actions are based on the most current information available.
  2. Enhanced decision-making: With DaaS, businesses and policymakers can make informed decisions quickly. The ability to access and analyse data in real-time means that decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date information, reducing the risk of errors and improving outcomes. This agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced economic environment, where timely decisions can significantly impact growth and competitiveness.
  3. Streamlined operations: DaaS simplifies data management by providing a centralised platform for data storage, processing, and analysis. This reduces the time and resources spent on data collection and report generation, allowing organisations to focus on strategic initiatives. By automating data processes, DaaS helps eliminate redundant tasks and streamline operations, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.
  4. Scalability and flexibility: High-quality data infrastructure is scalable, allowing organisations to easily adjust their data capabilities as their needs evolve. DaaS platforms can handle large volumes of data from diverse sources, providing the flexibility to integrate new data types and sources as they emerge. This adaptability is essential for supporting the growth of emerging sectors and technologies.
  5. Improved collaboration: DaaS facilitates better collaboration across departments and organisations by providing a single source of truth. With shared access to real-time data, teams can work together more effectively, aligning their efforts and making coordinated decisions. This collaborative approach is vital for driving innovation and achieving common goals.
  6. Data-driven innovation: Access to high-quality, real-time data empowers organisations to innovate. By analysing trends and patterns, businesses can identify new opportunities, optimise processes, and develop innovative products and services. This data-driven approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, which is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
  7. Supporting policy development: For policymakers, DaaS provides the data needed to develop and implement effective policies. Real-time insights into economic trends, sector performance, and regional disparities enable targeted interventions that address specific challenges and opportunities. This data-driven policymaking ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that policies have the desired impact.
  8. Enhancing transparency and accountability: High-quality data infrastructure enhances transparency by providing clear, accessible data on organisational performance and outcomes. This transparency builds trust with stakeholders, including investors, customers, and the public. Additionally, it holds organizations accountable for their actions, promoting responsible and ethical behaviour.

The unique capability of The Data City 

The Data City is uniquely positioned to deliver these capabilities today. Our RTICs and DaaS products are the only solutions currently available that can provide actionable, high-quality insights in the time it takes to make a good cup of coffee. This rapid turnaround means that organisations can move beyond outdated reports and consultations, enabling them to act swiftly and decisively to build the future economy that the UK needs. 

In conclusion, The Data City’s Real-Time Industry Classifications and AI Classification Technology offer a robust and innovative solution to many of the challenges outlined in the “Invest 2035” green paper. By adopting our RTICs, the government can enhance its industrial strategy, support emerging sectors, and drive regional growth through data-driven decision-making. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate further and contribute to the successful implementation of this ambitious strategy. 

Thank you for considering our response. 

About the author