Introducing the awarded projects of the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services Programme

In a world where technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, leaders and innovators in UK’s professional and financial services sectors are advancing in an exciting digital transformation journey. Their dynamic involvement is not just in response to trends but is necessary to remain competitive and relevant to demands that continue to influence how firms operate, interact with clients, and deliver high value services.

Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) are proud to highlight the projects that have been awarded through the £26.5m Next Generation Professional and Financial Services Programme. The aim of this initiative is to empower these sectors to harness digital technologies effectively and responsibly, while underpinning the UK’s broader strategy of enhancing productivity and efficiency through technological advancement.

A total of 68 projects have been successfully funded across the UK with a focus on the below key themes:

• Upskilling: through two dedicated social science-led programmes aimed at accelerating the skills and competencies of mid-tier firms professionals
• ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance): through five large collaborative projects developing data access methods to solve sector specific challenges such as pension preferences and natural disaster predictions
• Accessibility & Empowerment: through the creation of inclusive solutions for underserved communities leveraging technology to provide accessible services and tailoring offering to specific needs
• Productivity & Efficiency: through the development of automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks and the integration of artificial intelligence technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiency
• Risk & Compliance: through projects focused on building trust and transparency, simplifying workflows, managing potential risks and detecting fraud more effectively.

Take a look at our new brochure to see which projects have been chosen to drive economic growth and technology innovation in the UK professional and financial services sector:

Meet the talented innovators behind these projects

On Tuesday 11 March in London we look forward to welcoming you to the National Showcase: Next Generation Professional & Financial Services event where you will have the opportunity to see and learn about the impact that digital technologies are having in your sector.

Click below to secure your free place for this exciting showcase event.

Find out more about the programme

Visit our homepage and sign up to the AI for Services network to stay up to date with relevant opportunities in Professional and Financial Services innovation.