The Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) has today announced the launch of a Thematic Innovation Hub – the next phase in its mission to make regulation more accessible, transparent, and practical for innovators across the digital economy.
Building on the success of the AI & Digital Hub pilot, the Thematic Hub will extend the DRCF’s reach through tailored engagement and regulatory advice on priority topics. The Hub will act as a cross-cutting initiative, enabling businesses to benefit from joined-up regulatory insight on emerging technologies.
The first theme will focus on agentic AI – AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making and initiating actions without direct human prompts.
As part of this new focus, the DRCF is inviting views from industry, academia, and civil society on the regulatory challenges and opportunities linked to the adoption of agentic AI. Feedback will help shape the DRCF’s future work, continuing its mission to support responsible innovation while protecting consumers and markets.
Alongside today’s launch, the DRCF has also published:
- A blog: Regulation isn’t a Roadblock, it’s a Roadmap: Takeaways for Innovators from the DRCF AI and Digital Hub
- An insights paper, Laying the Foundations for Cross-Regulatory Innovation Support: Insights from the DRCF AI and Digital Hub Pilot
The publications set out key outcomes from the AI & Digital Hub pilot, including that:
- The Hub helped innovators improve their understanding of digital regulatory requirements and gave them the confidence to focus their efforts on the UK.
- The Hub strengthened cross-regulatory collaboration, improved understanding of emerging technologies, and provided an opportunity for regulators to experiment and collaborate in new ways.
Kate Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the DRCF, said:
“The AI and Digital Hub pilot demonstrated the value of cross-regulator advice for both innovators and regulators. We’ve taken stock of its lessons to make sure our next phase of work is even more effective and cuts to the core of innovator needs. By focusing on agentic AI, we’re targeting future-facing developments to make sure businesses get the clarity they need to innovate responsibly.”
Nathalie Lowe, DRCF Director of Projects, said:
“The Thematic Innovation Hub is about turning collaboration into practical outcomes, working alongside innovators to understand challenges in real time. Together, with the Digital Library, it forms part of the DRCF’s wider efforts to make regulation more accessible.”
Sarah Meyers, Head of Innovation and Governance said:
“We’re powering on with the next phase of our innovation work, and we’re keen to hear from those at the forefront of developing and using agentic AI. By sharing your experiences, you can help us build a clearer, shared understanding of where regulatory clarity is most needed.”
Note to editors
The Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) was formed in July 2020 and brings together the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Building on the strong working relationships between these four organisations, the DRCF was established to ensure collaboration and cohesion, given the unique challenges posed by regulation of online platforms and digital services. More information at www.drcf.org.uk
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