The UK Government has unveiled plans for a Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) which it says will speed up the approval of new technologies for use in healthcare while cutting red tape – but a regulatory expert insists it must now deliver on its big promises

Last Tuesday, Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said the dedicated new unit would allow “game-changing tech to reach the public faster” and would “curb red tape”.

He stated: “The launch of the Regulatory Innovation Office, a key manifesto commitment, is a big step forward in bringing the UK’s most promising new technologies to the public faster and safely while kickstarting economic growth.

“By speeding up approvals, providing regulatory certainty and reducing unnecessary delays, we’re curbing the burden of red tape so businesses and our public services can innovate and grow, which means more jobs, a stronger economy, and a better quality of life for people across the UK.”

The Secretary believes the RIO can “make sure UK companies are at the forefront of the next generation of technologies” including breakthroughs that could help NHS doctors diagnose illnesses earlier, faster integration of AI training software for surgeons, and the ability to send emergency delivery drones to remote parts of the country.

However, Head of Regulatory Affairs at InnoScot Health, Elaine Gemmell notes: “To hear about the RIO being set in motion is of course encouraging, and if it can deliver on what it is setting out to do then it’s great news for innovative technology in medical device regulation.

“But there are several important steps that still need to be taken. It does not yet have a Chair to lead the office which I thought they might have had in place before publicly announcing the plans.

“It is also promising a lot of things which may be more difficult to fulfil in practice than is expected. Regulation is a very multi-faceted landscape, and it is often a careful, rigorous process for the right reasons – first and foremost, to ensure safety for patients. This should always be the primary consideration over economic growth which is obviously important but a secondary benefit.

“I note its pledge to support regulators to update regulation with the aims of speeding up approvals and engendering smoother working between different regulatory bodies.

“All of these are laudable ambitions which I hope take place and are workable.”

The RIO announcement has taken place ahead of the UK hosting the International Investment Summit on Monday 14 October, where the Chancellor will make clear that the UK is “open for business” as the government “resets relations with trading partners around the globe”.