Top in Tech

On this week’s episode of Top in Tech, Megan Stagman, Director, is joined by Fergus Cameron-Watt, Senior Associate, to unpack the UK government’s recent spending review and its implications for the tech sector. Megan and Fergus explore how the Spending Review reflects the government’s shifting priorities, with notable gains for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the backing of the new sovereign AI unit. They assess what these developments mean for start-ups, digital infrastructure, and tech suppliers to the government, and situate this in the context of a flurry of forthcoming strategies (including the Industrial Strategy and the Digital and AI Roadmap).

On this week’s episode of Top in Tech, Adriana Capparelli, Practice Director for Technology, Media and Telecoms, is joined by Senior Associates Natasha Dixon and Russell Lamb to unpack one of the most complex policy dilemmas in today’s tech landscape: copyright in the age of artificial intelligence. They explore the current UK and EU approaches to balancing creator protections with AI innovation, as policymakers grapple with how to regulate the use of copyrighted material in training AI systems. From recent development on the UK Data (Use and Access Bill) and criticisms from the creative industry - including Paul McCartney and Elton John - to the EU Code of Practice on Generative AI, this episode examines where regulation stands - and where it might be headed next.

On this week’s episode of Top in Tech, Megan Stagman, Director, is joined by GC MENA Adviser Aliyah Dar to unpack the key technology and investment developments emerging from US President Donald Trump’s recent tour of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.  They recap the key announcements coming out of the trip - including a new AI campus in Abu Dhabi and increased Saudi investment in US tech firms - and evaluate how this divergence from prior US policy on export restrictions might play domestically. They also dive into the 'data embassy' concept that was raised during the trip with Saudi Arabia, and what the next steps on delivering this are expected to be. 

On this week’s episode of Top in Tech, Adriana Capparelli, Director, is joined by Senior Associates Natasha Dixon and Fergus Cameron Watt, along with Philipp Mühl, Associate Director, to explore the complex and fast-evolving landscape of digital sovereignty across Europe. Together, they unpack how Germany, France, and the UK are approaching digital sovereignty through different political, strategic, and technological lenses. From the role of artificial intelligence to the use of public procurement as a national tool, the team unpacks the policies shaping Europe’s digital future.

On this week's episode of Top in Tech, Adriana Capparelli, Director in our Tech, media and telecoms team is joined by Natasha Dixon, Senior Associate, to unpack the European Commission’s newly released AI Continent Action Plan and what it means for businesses, policymakers, and the broader tech ecosystem. Together, they explore the plan’s five central pillars - from compute infrastructure and data, to AI adoption, talent and legislative simplification - and assess how these priorities aim to boost European AI innovation and competitiveness. The conversation dives into the broader strategic objectives behind the plan, including strengthening EU technological sovereignty, addressing data centre capacity, and navigating transatlantic relations. Natasha also shares insights on how businesses can engage with the Commission’s ongoing public consultations and contribute to shaping Europe’s AI future.

On this week's episode of Top in Tech, Megan Stagman is joined by Conan D'Arcy, Senior Practice Director, and Chris Levy, Head of Research and Insight, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of online safety regulation, alongside the launch of our new original research report.Based on our recently-conducted opinion research, they explore public concerns driving the policy conversation—from child protection to misinformation and encryption—and what the report reveals about geographic differences and political dynamics shaping the global agenda.They also anticipate how future legislation could unfold across jurisdictions, and how it might intersect with broader regulatory frameworks on privacy, data protection, and platform responsibility.Read the report here

In this episode of Top in Tech, Adriana Capparelli and Robyn Staveley discuss the recent surge in European defence spending, driven by rising geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They explore the implications of increased budgets on defence technology, procurement strategies, and the role of both traditional and new suppliers in the defence sector. They also discuss the importance of technological innovation, the need for collaboration between EU and UK defence strategies, and the challenges posed by satellite infrastructure and data sovereignty.

On this bonus episode of Top in Tech, Conan D'Arcy is joined by Ellison Anne Williams, CEO of Enveil, and Harry Palmer, Associate Director at Global Counsel, to discuss the report 'Breaking barriers: how data sharing can transform the fight against economic crime'. They explore the challenges and recommendations for improving data sharing practices to combat economic crime, emphasizing the role of privacy enhancing technologies (PETs) in facilitating secure data collaboration between public and private sectors. Ellison-Anne and Harry also explore the current landscape of economic crime in the UK and the potential for innovative solutions to enhance data sharing efforts.Read the report here

In this episode of Top in Tech, Adriana Capparelli and Jack Keevill discuss the new EU Commission Work Program, highlighting its focus on simplification, competitiveness, and security in response to geopolitical dynamics. They explore the implications of various initiatives, the complexity of tech policy, and the impact of withdrawn proposals on stakeholders. The conversation also touches on the potential effects of the work program on transatlantic relations and the tech sector's future.