Ahead of the 2016 local elections, Tech London Advocates, techUK and Centre for London collaborated to produce a series of policy recommendations to show how the new Mayor can support digital growth and innovation.
The next four years represent a crucial juncture in London’s digital development: already it is home to a thriving population of tech entrepreneurs, investors and innovators.
London has the opportunity to lead a second wave of digital transformation, not just as a hub for tech companies, but as the world’s leading digital city.
The Mayor has a unique role to play in making this happen. Over the next four years, London’s new Mayor must build a digital-first mindset into the relationship between citizen and city.
The Manifesto offers 13 ambitious policy recommendations across five areas: future-proofing London; infrastructure, investment and funding; skills; immigration and funding; and digital London government.
Key recommendations
- Hire a London Chief Digital Officer to collect, share and analyse data for improved public and private services.
- Take the London message global through trade missions that champion every sector of London’s digital economy.
- Conduct a comprehensive London-wide Innovation Audit to assess the effects of regulation on new digital services.
- Establish a tech talent pipeline to work with educators and entrepreneurs to equip Londoners with the digital skills needed to survive and thrive.
- Be bold on visas for tech professionals by protecting the Tier 2 visa and reinstating the Post-Study Work visa.
Candidates will be invited to respond to the Manifesto and present their own vision for London’s digital future at the DebateTech hustings.