How much capacity do UK centres have, and is it sufficient for domestic uses? How much reliance is there on data centres abroad? How might technological advances such as in the field of AI affect future demand for data centre processing power and can the sector cope with such changes?

Background

In order to achieve these missions, DP must build upon the research and evidence that informs its knowledge base and underpins its policies. Below articulates the directorate’s critical policy issues and questions identified in response to the NDS missions. Key focus areas include defining and monitoring the data ecosystem and economy, generating evidence for intervention and understanding the impacts of policies.

DSIT is committed to improving data sharing. The NDS Mission 1 Policy Framework outlines the principles for intervention and priority areas for action for unlocking data value. Addressing the barriers to optimal data use and reuse is an important area of interest.

The government has held a consultation on reforms to the UK’s data protection regime. The approach for data protection change is set out in the documentation for a new data direction. DP is working to ensure that UK GDPR, the ICO and other parts of the data protection regime are fit for purpose. Evidence relating to privacy and trust in data and data use and the impacts of data regulation would help to address some of the directorate’s key questions.

DP wants to broaden its understanding of data infrastructure and strengthen its evidence base on data centres, cyber security and resilience. The environmental impacts of data use is a key area of research interest.

It is important to advance our knowledge of international data flows and how they shape and influence the global data system. Addressing the evidence gap on the value of data flows as well as the volume of data is of key interest.

Next steps

If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

DSIT Areas of Research Interest 2024 GOV UK

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