Making the most of IT and telecoms could boost the UK
economy by £35bn over the next ten years.
New research from
E-Skills UK highlights the critical importance of IT and
telecoms to the UK and the urgent need to invest in skills.
E-Skills UK says the extra £35bn will only be generated if the
skills base is improved, there is an improved adoption of
technology by business - particularly among small firms - and
technology innovation is promoted.
The "IT & Telecoms Insights 2008" research provides a view
of the key trends, opportunities and challenges facing the UK over
the next ten years.
The research will be used later this year to draw up an
employer-led action plan to help the UK towards the extra £35bn
that could be generated.
Karen Price, CEO of E-Skills UK, said, "The research evidence is
unequivocal: in today's increasingly fast moving global business
environment, IT and telecoms provides the engine of future growth
and the key to increasing productivity and competitiveness."
Price said half of Europe's productivity gains in recent years
can be attributed to investments in IT. IT and telecoms already
contributes £51.9bn to the UK economy every year - 5% of the total
UK economy - and provides jobs for 5% of the UK's workforce, she
said.