Dr Dave Smith
Biography
Dr Dave Smith FIET FRAeS is the National Technology Adviser (NTA) having taken up the role in September 2023.
A technologist and industrial expert by background, as the NTA, Dave advises the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Cabinet on the best approach to building and enhancing the UK’s technology strengths. His role includes working across government to champion the science and tech industries, in addition to building networks across industry to draw the best minds into policy making.
Prior to taking up his role as the NTA, Dave accumulated decades of experience working across the technology industry – most recently as Director of Central Technology at Rolls-Royce. His career has otherwise seen him sit as the Managing Director of a British tech firm working across cyber-security, networking and more, before taking up key leadership roles in renowned public sector and technology consultancies.
Dave is particularly interested in the role that R&D plays in supporting the UK’s ambitions for its science and technology industries. Throughout his career, Dave has established himself as a leader of innovative technology organisations and developer of many globally successful, ground-breaking products, including winning The Queen’s Award for Innovation.
Dave holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Warwick.
National Technology Adviser
The National Technology Adviser (NTA) is responsible for:
• providing technology advice to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and members of the Cabinet
• working across government departments, including with the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA) and Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) network, to support the science and technology landscape, accelerate innovation and champion policy delivery
• building networks across industry and academia to draw the best and most influential minds into HMG planning and awareness
• promoting the UK’s strategies and policies on science and technology areas externally and internationally