The UK Government has today taken an extremely important step towards further igniting digital revolution in the country. It has appointed its very first Director General for Digital and Media, based in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This all-new role shall be borne by Matthew Gould.
Formerly the British ambassador to Israel, he is known for launching the pioneering UK Israel tech hub, which laid the foundations for UK and Israel’s powerful tech relationship. He also led the Cabinet Office’s cyber security unit as its Director of Cyber Security and Information Assurance. He concentrated on keeping Britain safe from cyber attack, which included running the National Cyber Security Programme and helping develop the Cyber Essentials Scheme.
Now, he has been entrusted with the responsibility to lead the nation’s drive to capitalize on digital technology. Also part of his new role will be overseeing the Department’s digital and media policy brief, which aims to equip the nation with the skills and technology it needs to create tomorrow’s world-leading digital businesses, as well as working to make sure everyone can enjoy the benefits of modern technology.
According to the brief on the UK Government’s website, the nature of the Director General’s exact responsibilities will be:
- making sure the UK has the world-class connectivity it needs
- supporting British companies with access to infrastructure and technology
- helping build digital ecosystems where bright ideas can become successful companies;
- equipping British people with the skills they need to flourish in a digital world
- reducing the number of people excluded from the digital economy to help create an economy that works for all
- working to create an innovation-friendly and cyber-secure country
Speaking on his new appointment, Gould commented,
Our economy is powered by innovation and we want Britain to be the safest place to do business and go online. But if we want the UK to prosper we need to make sure we have world-class connectivity, and If we want an inclusive society, we need to tackle digital exclusion and make sure everyone has the digital skills they need.
He also added,
I’m determined to tackle these challenges to help make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a digital company. It is a huge privilege to be the Government’s first Director General for Digital and Media and to have the chance to help make this happen.
As Director General, Gould will work closely with Liam Maxwell, the Government’s National Technology Adviser, and Antonia Romeo, the Government’s Special Envoy to the US technology companies, and Her Majesty’s Consul General in New York.
