techUK, an industry body for the UK tech sector, has released a five point plan to "power Britain back to growth" post-Brexit using the success of the technology industry.
The organisation outlined the plan in a blog post, which includes the UK having access to the single market and retaining entrepreneurial talent from across Europe. It also cites securing international data flows and data protection, the government listening to the tech industry and a new Digital Strategy as key priorities following Britain's decision to leave the EU.
Julian David, CEO of techUK, said: "The UK tech sector has been the outstanding success of the UK economy over the last decade and will be vital to the UK's success in a post-Brexit world. There is now a national imperative to put a plan in place that allows the UK tech sector to power the UK back to growth. Politicians need to listen to and engage with businesses that are committed to quickly getting Britain back on track."
Access to the single market allows for more jobs and more growth, techUK argues, as well as the ability to attract foreign investment. A new 'smart immigration' policy would also prioritise the needs of the tech sector should the UK no longer benefit from free movement of people and goods.
Tech businesses depend on the ability to move data across national borders, and so this should not be negatively impacted should the UK's relationship with the EU change. techUK recommends an agreement similar to the EU-US Privacy Shield.
Following the result of the EU referendum, David said: "To succeed, the UK tech sector needs great people, great infrastructure, world-class science and research, unfettered access to global markets, and a world-class smart and predictable regulatory environment.
"Without the benefits of EU membership, the UK needs to be at its very best to succeed. That remains our purpose. To make the UK the best place in the world for tech."
It would be harmful for policy and funding decisions to be delayed following the referendum, the post continues, and the government must address immediate concerns that "uncertainty does not have to mean paralysis".
Finally, techUK posits that a new Digital Strategy must be written and published in collaboration with tech businesses, with input from business on how it can be made fit for purpose.
"The approach must be strategic and comprehensive, looking at the whole of the UK's tech ecosystem," said David. "It will fail if it is a collection of headline grabbing gimmicks."
