Here’s how the new government can ensure innovation benefits people equitably across our society.
With the King’s Speech that opens Parliament rapidly approaching on July 17th, we’ve captured Inclusioneering’s key recommendations for Kier Starmer’s new government. Here are Inclusioneering’s five inclusive innovation policy asks for the new government:
1. Close diversity gaps in tech, engineering and manufacturing to ensure equitable outcomes of innovation.
Our tech and industrial workforces are driving transformative change that impacts everyone across society. Yet these workforces have significant underrepresentation of women, ethnic minorities, disabled people, neurodiverse people, the LGBTQ+ community, and people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Adding to the issue, these gaps are even more acute at senior levels and leadership of organisations. We must close these diversity gaps to ensure equitable outcomes for all.
2. Mandate pay gap reporting.
The focus brought by data to drive action is unparalleled to create equitable workplaces. While the pay gap measure itself may be a blunt instrument, the process an organisation must go through to build trust, understand the data, and commit to meaningful action is immensely powerful. Labour has promised in their manifesto to break down barriers to opportunity. That includes introducing stronger workers rights, enhanced equality protections, and to introduce mandatory pay gap reporting for ethnicity and disability. We support this pledge and are keen to see this put into action as a priority.
3. Commit to a green industrial strategy that ensures a just transition.
Clear industrial strategy is needed, that drives innovation and growth towards net zero, AND ALSO ensures a just transition for the affected workforces and communities as we undergo this significant technological, process, and business change.
4. Introduce AI regulation to foster fair, safe and trustworthy AI.
With the EU AI Act recently published, the global stage has been set for AI regulation. The Post Office Horizon scandal has highlighted the high stakes of technology deployment. To position the UK as a leader in AI governance, while fostering innovation, regulation is needed that ensures fair, safe, and trustworthy development of AI.
5. Reform digital education to provide practical and relevant skills development for all.
Digital technology underpins every sector, but computing education is dropped by most teenagers by age 14 in the UK. A staggering 94% of girls drop computing as soon as they are allowed to. We support the BCS policy ask that every child deserves a computing and digital literacy qualification. It must be practical and feel relevant to be attractive and useful for everyone.
In summary
With the rapid explosion in artificial intelligence, digital and industrial transformation, these advancements are poised to transform society. Technological progress cannot be separated from its social impacts, and the government must take responsibility to ensure benefits are felt equitably.
By adopting these five inclusive innovation policy asks for the new government, Kier Starmer will be laying a foundation for growth and innovation that benefits people across society.
What are your hopes for this King’s Speech?
Contact us for a free 20-minute consultation on any topics these questions raise for your organisation.
