Day 2 of the #FutureSummit gets underway in an hour with a focus on the economy. We'll begin with a keynote from @InstituteGC's @clry2 & later this morning @PureStorage will explore 'Data and AI: Making the UK a world leader in emerging technology' during their breakout session.

Welcome back to the #FutureSummit! Today we will be focusing on two themes: the economy and the planet. First, we will be joined by @clry2, @AllieRenison, David Hogan from @nvidia and @edvaizey for a discussion about the economy.

Chris Yiu from @InstituteGC begins his keynote address saying that when we will look back to this time we will see an incredible accelleration in the economy, policy and digital. #FutureSummit

He notes that the transition for people to fully embrace digital has been varied. He agrees digital exclusion is an issue that many have had to confront over the past year, while for others the shift has been more gradual. #FutureSummit

As we are confined to our home we are also seeing a different economy. The emergence of digital worlds such as videogames could be the seeds of a new economy with enormous potential. #FutureSummit

Turning to Government, @clry2 notes that while there has been great progress, more can be done, especially in the field of start-ups and entrepreneurs. The tech industry plays an important role in this and in modernising the UK and its services. #FutureSummit

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@clry2 @InstituteGC

Despite the challenges we have faced and will face going forward, Chris Yiu is positive that we are looking towards a future of international collaboration and modernisation across digital, policy and the economy. #FutureSummit

We are now delighted to also welcome @AllieRenison from @The_IoD, David Hogan from @nvidia and @edvaizey. #FutureSummit

David Hogan begins the session discussing his thoughts on the way the economy has been adapting over the past year. We are seeing an uplift of digital, particularly in the field of A.I. which gives an opportunity to the UK's economy to grow further. #FutureSummit

Areas that can positively contribute to the UK's economy include automation and medtech. However, we need to invest in tools for science to reach our full potential. #FutureSummit

Market access to Europe needs to be improved and is a threat to the UK's economy, argues Allie Renison from the Institute of Directors. The pandemic is in some ways shielding the UK's economy right now, but once mobility resumes we will face a challenge. #FutureSummit

Ed Vaizey says that the Government is seeing the benefits of tech innovation more and more. The adoption of digital tools such as digital ID and fintech can contribute to the UK's economy and growth - however, a coherent narrative is currently lacking. #FutureSummit

We need a clear manifesto to show how we will handle tech innovation to fully embrace its benefits. #FutureSummit

The pandemic has also affected the way we travel, for leisure and business. @techUKdepCEO asks whether there will be a permanent shift in the way businesses operate internationally in terms of business travel and how that will impact the UK's economy. #FutureSummit

Chris Yiu thinks people will fully embrace international travel once it's allowed again. However, he thinks vaccine passports might be necessary to allow people to travel safely and allow the economy to continue operating. #FutureSummit

Ed Vaizey thinks we will go back to business as usual post-pandemic but there will likely be a hybrid life, maintaining some aspects that we are using now. #FutureSummit

He wants to see Government operate by task rather than by department and define the most significant changes required in digital. While they might not have the capacity to fully embrace digital now, it must define the need for it better for the future. #FutureSummit

David Hogan thinks it's important to invest in closing the digital skills gap in order to help the economy. Allie Renison agrees with that statement and adds that there is potential for digital collaboration with the US, particularly in fintech, to enhance the UK's economy.

Thank you to our panellists for joining us on this insightful session. Next, we will be holding a series of breakout sessions, focusing on Data and AI, Levelling Up, and Digital Infrastructure. #FutureSummit