Is the UK ready for the technologies of the future?

The Committee is carrying out an inquiry into the state of digital skills across the UK, and tomorrow it is going to explore the technology landscape of the future.

It will ask witnesses about a range of issues, such as understanding the implications of ‘Big Data' and other technological advancements, adjusting our workforce to a knowledge-driven economy, and how to reduce growing inequality within the workforce.  

There will be two evidence sessions. 

In the first session at 10:15am, the Committee will hear from Professor Nick Bostrom, Director, Programme on the Impacts of Future Technology, University of Oxford; Michael Gleaves, Head of Business Development, The Hartree Centre, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC); and Kevin Baughan, Director, Technology and Innovation, Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

The second session will start at approximately 11.15am and put questions to Hugh Milward, Director of Corporate Affairs, Microsoft, and Chris Mairs CBE, Chair, UK forum for Computing Education (UKforCE) and Chief Scientist, Metaswitch Networks. A witness from Google will also give evidence.

Other questions which the Committee will put to the witnesses are:

• How will the future technology landscape of the UK shape our society?
• Can we be better prepared for technological revolutions?
• What are the current skills shortages?
• What skills must we teach to equip the future workforce?
• Can we do this effectively?
• How are we addressing concerns about technology changes increasing inequality in the workforce?

The evidence sessions will take place in Committee Room 2 on Tuesday 22 July, the first starting at 10:15am.

The session will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.