Rishi Sunak has announced the launch of a new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The prime minister said that a dedicated department would help drive the innovation needed to improve public services and create new jobs.

“Having a single department focussed on turning scientific and technical innovations into practical, applicable solutions to the challenges we face will help make sure the UK is the most innovative economy in the world,” he said.

The government is also introducing a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, aimed at securing long-term energy supply, bringing down bills, and “halving inflation”.

It said the move responds to the significant impact rising prices have had on UK households.

Gerard Grech, chief executive of Tech Nation welcomed the news.

“Science, technology and data are crucial pillars of our digital economy, underpinning much of our trade relationships, geopolitics and consumer lives,” said Grech. “Science and technology innovation is not just one of many sectors but a fundamental input into all industries, all sectors and all services."

The chief exec added that to achieve the government's bold ambition to take on Silicon Valley, it must match its rhetoric with "policies and support mechanisms" and engage with the grassroots tech community.

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