The UK technology industry is at a pivotal point,
according to a report by industry associationIntellect.
The Intellect President's Report
2008 shows the sector is thriving despite the current economic
crunch, but warns this is no time for complacency.
Sean Finnan, president of Intellect, said, "The optimism of
recent years has lessened. We are seeing opportunities for growth
emerge more quickly, but also disappear more quickly, when the
country and sector is unprepared to exploit them."
The report, which is based on third party financial data and
more than 100 of the trade association's leading members, details
six areas that need attention.
Finnan said the IT sector could not continue to grow and reach
its full potential if government and the industry did not pay
careful attention to these key areas.
The report identifies these as the need to
develop skills, improve the communication infrastructure, boost
confidence in the sector, raise professional standards, exploit
innovation better, and improve relations with other sectors.
"Focusing on the six boosters we have identified is essential if
we are to continue to attract technology companies to operate in
the UK," Finnan said.
The report said the health of the technology sector, which
contributes 10% of UK GDP, is key to the economy.
"Intellect believes that ever-closer collaboration between
government and the sector is essential if we are to grasp the
opportunities at hand," Finnan said.