Second Report: 5G market diversification and wider lessons for critical and emerging technologies

The government acknowledges the committee's observation that the provision of older network technologies is a major barrier to diversification. It states it is working with mobile operators, suppliers, and users to establish a clear roadmap for the long-term use and provision of network services, including the potential sunsetting of 2G and 3G technologies.

The government agrees on the crucial importance of regular information sharing and engagement with international partners to inform the UK's diversification strategy. It is actively working to foster discussion and collaboration internationally, including with G7 partners and bilaterally, but does not commit to specifically evaluating foreign initiatives or providing regular reports within six months as requested.

The government agrees with the importance of coordinating R&D to drive outcomes and has invested £250 million in R&D for diversification. It commits to strengthening UK capability and developing a strategic approach for research and innovation, with further steps to be set out before summer recess.

The government acknowledges that intellectual property rights are a potential barrier to diversification and states it is currently considering options for monitoring patent essentiality and discussing this complex issue with international partners and industry.

The government acknowledges the importance of market diversity and the role of network operators, referencing an initial £250 million investment in R&D to drive diversification. It notes ongoing work with operators and states further steps will be set out before summer recess, aligning with the need for measures to stimulate the market organically.

The government acknowledges that 5G issues are indicative of wider geopolitical and technological challenges, stating that how norms and standards are developed will have far-reaching effects. It points to several forthcoming strategies, including Digital, National Data, Innovation, Defence Science and Technology, and AI Strategies, which will collectively address the UK's approach to critical and emerging technologies.

The government agrees with the need to consider long-term implications of critical technologies and aims to grow the UK's Science and Technology Power by 2030. A new function will be instituted in the Government Office for Science to provide analysis and insights for strategic decisions across departments.

The government agrees that UK engagement in shaping international digital technical standards is crucial and states DCMS is actively engaging with international standards bodies and partners across various digital technical standards topics. It highlights ongoing work including G7 presidency efforts and the role of BSI, but does not commit to specifically reviewing standards bodies or developing new measures to build British capability and influence within them.

The government agrees on the importance of long-term planning for critical and emerging technologies and aims to grow the UK's 'Science and Technology Power' by 2030 through creating an enabling ecosystem. It describes broad efforts including a new analytical function in the Government Office for Science and existing funding for the tech sector, but does not specifically address the required early identification and assessment of UK and allied capabilities.

The government agrees on the importance of long-term planning for critical technologies, aiming to grow UK 'Science and Technology Power' by 2030 by creating an enabling environment and strengthening international collaboration. It also highlights existing funding for the tech sector and a new analytical function in the Government Office for Science, but does not commit to the specific assessment of R&D capabilities for each technology area as recommended.