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Tech Nation Report 2018

Author: George Windsor
Institution: Tech Nation
Type of case study: Research

About the research

The Tech Nation 2018 Report is part of a ground-breaking annual series that captures the strength, depth and breadth of digital tech activity in the UK. Using a portfolio of official, and web-based data sources, the report explores the dynamics of the digital tech sector, recording its growth and developing an understanding of the characteristics of the communities driving it.
The report has been beneficial to tech entrepreneurs and businesses, investors, educators and policy makers and has helped to promote greater understanding of the role that digital tech plays in the UK, and the ecosystem that underpins its success.

Methodology

The Tech Nation Report 2018 used a combination of administrative (Business Structure Database, BSD) and survey datasets (Annual Business Survey – ABS, Annual Population Survey – APS, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings – ASHE) in the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Secure Research Service (SRS).

Estimates were developed on the size and geographic location of industries and sub – industries for the UK’s “digital tech” industries (as classified by Standard Industrial Classification [SIC] codes) and characteristics of workers in the sector, and the dynamics of their work.

Findings

graph for employment in the digital sector between 2014-2017 which shows a steady increase

The data was used to show trends in levels, growth and
geographic concentration of the digital tech sectors throughout the UK.

Impact

The Tech Nation Report 2018 has been adopted and distributed widely by government departments and colleagues in public office. From a foreword from Prime Minister Theresa May, to regular social media activity distributing report findings from Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; HM Treasury; and the Department of International Trade – the report has been the subject of debate and focus of review and feedback.