Digital Catapult has published what it describes as the UK’s first comprehensive 5G landscape report, revealing how the country is positioning itself to capitalise on the technology’s economic and societal potential.
Global forecasts suggest 5G could enable up to US$12.3 trillion (€10.47 trillion) of economic output by 2035. Digital Catapult’s research indicates the UK has many of the essential ingredients to secure a meaningful share of that value, including a diverse ecosystem of public and private organisations, academic institutions, researchers, startups and emerging network innovators.
The report maps nearly 200 distinct 5G-related initiatives across the UK. This activity involves 39 academic institutions, 29 local authorities and 57 companies working on trials, research projects and commercial development—signs of a maturing national ecosystem.
Jeremy Silver, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Catapult, commented:
“5G’s real impact depends on innovation. Across the UK, 5G development is moving from universities into the market; projects that began in labs now need to reach real customers.
This first comprehensive analysis of the UK’s 5G ecosystem is a valuable resource for innovators and policy-makers. It helps track the activities that are building UK 5G capability and points to how UK companies can become global leaders in future infrastructure.”
The report highlights a wide range of use cases and identifies four sectors as particularly crucial for the UK economy: healthcare, transport, immersive technologies and manufacturing. Each of these areas presents opportunities for 5G to unlock productivity gains, enable new services and deliver social benefits.
Dritan Kaleshi, 5G Lead Technologist at Digital Catapult, added:
“5G is more than an evolution of mobile broadband. Our research shows significant opportunities for 5G to deliver economic and societal benefits across the UK.
With substantial activity taking place, the UK offers an excellent environment for startups and scaleups to experiment with 5G and to build the products, services and immersive experiences of the future.”
Another strength identified in the report is the emphasis on collaboration and interconnectivity. Many trials and projects involve partnerships between universities, businesses, local authorities and international partners, strengthening knowledge exchange and accelerating adoption.
Ian Campbell, Interim Executive Chair of Innovate UK, said:
“This new report by Digital Catapult—the first of its kind in the UK—helps us better understand how 5G development can contribute to a world-leading digital economy.
The Catapult, as the country’s leading advanced digital technology innovation centre, is well placed to advise on how the UK can maximise the immense opportunities from 5G.”
The research was commissioned by Innovate UK, the government’s agency tasked with identifying and supporting innovations that can drive economic growth. The report is intended as a snapshot and barometer to help government and industry assess current 5G activity and to support delivery of the UK’s 5G Strategy.
The full Digital Catapult report provides detailed mapping of the UK’s 5G landscape and the initiatives shaping its development.
What are your thoughts on the 5G landscape in the UK? Share your views in the comments.
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