The UK needs increased collaboration between government, academia, research institutions and industry to reach the potential of edge computing, according to techUK.

The call comes as part of a new report by the trade organistion for the UK's tech industry argues for the key role of edge computing in UK business transformation.

Edge computing brings data storage and computation technologies closer to the device or location where the processing is needed, i.e. at the 'edge of a network', thus speeding up computing response times and saving bandwidth.

The report outlined five key areas it said need attention to ensure the UK can become a leader in edge computing.

The trade organisation’s report argued for equipping organisations with more of the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to adopt edge computing.

It also made the case for developing research into the sustainability impact and environmental potential of edge computing, addressed cyber security concerns, and how to build trust and confidence in edge computing.

2021 will also showcase the importance of edge computing as a driver of emerging technology according to techUK, as it will allow organisations to harness the full potential of technologies like 5G and machine learning.

“There is a huge opportunity for edge to digitally transform UK businesses – which we are already seeing through the role of mobile edge computing in the telecommunications sector, and the relationship between edge computing and connected and autonomous vehicles,” said Sue Daley, director for technology and innovation at techUK. “Through this report, techUK are showcasing why edge deserves to be at the forefront of business innovation, and why we need to ensure organisations, of all sizes and sectors, are ready, willing and able to embrace edge computing.”

Clay Van Doren, chief executive at Atos UK and Ireland, said: “As an emergent technology, edge computing is already delivering significant gains through its real-time computing and data analytics at source abilities.”

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