WIREDGOV

techUK and The National Association of Software & Services Companies (NASSCOM) (the leading technology trade bodies in the UK and India respectively) have launched the UK-India Tech Alliance and agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will see the technology sectors from the UK and India further strengthen their relationship.

The partnership between techUK and NASSCOM will support the flourishing IT sectors in both India and UK by developing stronger links, networks and joint platforms, helping enhance the skills of the technology workforce in both countries.

The trade associations signed the MoU at the inaugural meeting of the UK-India Tech Alliance, in the presence of Baroness Fairhead CBE, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion. With the support of both Governments, the Alliance is aimed at increasing collaboration on skills and new technologies, assist in policy development and encourage innovation. This meeting will lay the groundwork for a roadmap which will be jointly presented in June.

The new partnership between the UK and Indian tech industries will promote the growth of skills needed for a world where artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics and cybersecurity will be major technology growth areas.

This announcement reflects the UK-India Tech Partnership, also announced by the Prime Ministers of both countries. The partnership will include a UK-India Tech Hub: something techUK and NASSCOM first called for in November 2016 to identify and pair businesses, venture capital, universities and others to access routes to markets for British and Indian tech companies.

Welcoming the signing of the MoU Baroness Fairhead said: 

“UK-India relations are going from strength to strength and the signing of this MoU demonstrates the deepening of ties. Tech is at the heart of this new relationship between our two countries and we welcome techUK and NASSCOM’s commitment to working together to strengthen the skills base in both countries that will be key to driving economic growth, development and prosperity.

“The UK-India Tech Alliance will be a key partner for Government – providing a sounding board and expert advice for policy development to ensure that our Government’s nurture the growth we are seeing in this sector and beyond.”

Julian David, techUK CEO, said,

“This is an important milestone for both the UK and Indian tech sectors. We have long worked together, but we are now deepening those relationships and will be able to collaborate better to provide people with the skills and tools they need to flourish in the new world of work. We’re delighted to see the Governments of our two countries share our vision and taking key steps towards ensuring all our citizens benefit from the innovation that new technologies, like AI and machine learning, can provide.”

Speaking on the occasion Debjani Ghosh, President, NASSCOM, said:

“This landmark MoU between NASSCOM and techUK will equip people with cutting-edge skills in emerging technology fields such as AI and robotics. We are delighted that NASSCOM’s FutureSkills initiative will be the basis for improved collaboration between our IT industries. It is imperative that we train the workforce for jobs of the future to remain relevant in the new global economy; providing the UK and India with a valuable competitive edge.”