techUK calls for 10-year digital infrastructure strategy
Author: Joe Peck
Trade association techUK has called on the UK Government to publish a 10-year ‘Digital Infrastructure Strategy’ by 2027, warning that economic growth, productivity, and national resilience depend on stronger digital infrastructure.
The organisation’s latest report argues that connectivity, compute, and data infrastructure are now as fundamental to the economy as transport, energy, and housing. It says the UK’s digital technologies already contribute an estimated £286 billion in annual Gross Value Added (GVA), equivalent to around 13% of national output.
The UK is home to Europe’s largest data centre market, alongside research capabilities in quantum, photonic, and neuromorphic computing, whilst full-fibre broadband and 5G Standalone deployment continue to expand.
However, techUK warns that high industrial electricity prices, lengthy grid connection times, planning constraints, and comparatively weak network performance are limiting investment and threatening the UK’s competitive position.
Five objectives for 2035
The report sets out five objectives for 2035: universal full-fibre and 5G Standalone coverage, with commercial 6G deployment underway; a globally competitive position in next-generation compute; electricity prices below the IEA median; governance and planning frameworks that can keep pace with technological change; and widespread digital adoption across the UK.
To support these objectives, techUK recommends a coordinated programme of government and industry action. This includes establishing a cross-government digital infrastructure strategy, appointing a Minister of State with responsibility for its delivery, and creating a dedicated digital infrastructure unit within the Regulatory Innovation Office.
The organisation also calls for an interim update to the UK Compute Roadmap by 2027, covering neuromorphic, photonic, and quantum computing, alongside measures to develop commercial supply chains.
On energy, techUK recommends a roadmap to bring non-domestic electricity prices below the IEA median by 2035. Its proposals include moving electricity levies to general taxation by 2029 and accelerating grid connection reforms.
Sophie Greaves, Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, argues that the UK needs to treat digital infrastructure as a national economic priority.
She says, “Digital infrastructure is no longer simply an enabler of economic activity; it is the foundation on which future economic growth, innovation, and national resilience will be built. The countries that invest now in connectivity, compute, and data infrastructure will be best placed to capture the economic opportunities of the next decade.
“By following the roadmap we have set out for a resilient digital infrastructure by 2035, the UK can secure its position as a leader in compute, bringing significant benefits to the economy.”
techUK warns that failing to address these infrastructure challenges could result in slower growth, weaker productivity, reduced investment, and greater dependence on infrastructure and technologies developed elsewhere.
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