CONSERVATIVE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FORUM

NEWS & EVENTS

Smart Metering and the Power to Choose

Smart Metering and the Power to Choose

The Coalition Government is implementing plans dictated by Ed Miliband, as Energy Minister, to impose smart metering on a national scale directed from the centre after he rejected proposals put forward by Sustainability First in 2006 for a market-led pilot, based on consumer choice. We must revert to a market-led approach, addressing consumers’ concerns over cost and giving suppliers the incentive to invest before the rationing processes, implicit in Labour’s plans, have to b

Rebuilding Trust in the Online World

Rebuilding Trust in the Online World

There is no privacy in the global “village”. The social contract behind the Internet is broken. Major players treat us as commodities whose personal information and on-line footprints are “monetised” in return for service. Regulation is fragmented across geographic, technology or industry boundaries, embedding contradictions (e.g. privacy v. surveillance, retention v. deletion) and uncertainties which penalise those attempting to follow good practice. How do we make the UK a

21st Century Skills

21st Century Skills

How do we create and maintain 21st century career paths? We have had regular enquiries into shortages of what we now call “digital skills” for almost 50 years. The underlying cyclical pattern was identified in the 1980s. Recession accelerates the decline in demand for old skills and delays investment in training for the new skills that are taking their place. Recovery sees a “crisis”, often with staff turnover rates among those with the skills in current demand of over 30% p.

Smart Metering and the Power to Choose

The Forum reports on the opportunities and risks associated with the roll-out of smart energy meters.

Why isn't there a British Google?

James Clark (Cass Business School, London) describes the differences in startup culture between the UK and USA.

TalkTalk: Broadband and the Need for Competition

TalkTalk Group brief the Forum on the future of the UK broadband market.

NHS Information Systems

Dr Ellie Hopkins outlines the current state of information systems in the NHS, and draws comparisons with the USA.

Cybersecurity Threat Update

Professor John Walker describes the current cybersecurity threats facing the UK.

Please reload

Publications