The Digital & Technologies sector is one of the UK’s priority growth areas, powering innovation and enabling transformation across industries. From artificial intelligence to quantum computing, digital infrastructure, and semiconductors, this sector is critical for productivity, competitiveness, and global technological leadership.
Companies in this sector focus on research, development, design, and deployment of advanced technologies that are shaping the future of business and society. Many technologies are emerging and rapidly evolving, making the sector both dynamic and strategic for long-term growth.
What Is the Digital & Technologies Sector?
This sector includes businesses and organisations that deliver goods, services, and solutions driven by digital and technological innovation. Key areas include:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) software, products, and infrastructure
- Advanced connectivity technologies, including 5G/6G and optical networks
- Quantum computing applications
- Semiconductor design and manufacturing
- Cybersecurity services and infrastructure
- Engineering biology and synthetic biology solutions
Many activities overlap with other sectors, such as Advanced Manufacturing, Defence, and Clean Energy, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern technology development.
Frontier Industries in the Digital & Technologies Sector
The sector is built around frontier industries that drive cutting-edge innovation:
| Frontier Industry | Importance |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Automates complex tasks, accelerates research, and enhances decision-making across sectors |
| Advanced Connectivity | Powers 5G/6G networks, non-terrestrial communications, optical networks, and AI/quantum integration |
| Quantum Technologies | Enables computing, sensing, and communication capabilities beyond classical limits |
| Cybersecurity | Protects critical infrastructure, personal data, and financial systems, ensuring digital safety |
| Engineering Biology | Uses synthetic biology to develop sustainable products across medicine, materials, and food |
| Semiconductors | Power devices, renewable energy solutions, and advanced digital applications |
These industries are difficult to fully capture using SIC codes due to their cross-sectoral, emerging, and rapidly evolving nature.
SIC Codes for the Digital & Technologies Sector
While some activities are reflected in SIC codes, they provide only a partial view:
| SIC Code | Description |
| 261 | Manufacture of electronic components and boards |
| 262 | Manufacture of computers and peripheral equipment |
| 263 | Manufacture of communication equipment |
| 264 | Manufacture of consumer electronics |
| 26511 | Manufacture of electronic instruments and appliances for measuring, testing, and navigation, except industrial process control equipment |
| 26512 | Manufacture of electronic industrial process control equipment |
| 26513 | Manufacture of non-electronic instruments and appliances for measuring, testing, and navigation, except industrial process control equipment |
| 26701 | Manufacture of optical precision instruments |
| 268 | Manufacture of magnetic and optical media |
| 2731 | Manufacture of fibre optic cables |
| 2732 | Manufacture of other electronic and electric wires and cables |
| 279 | Manufacture of other electrical equipment |
| 465 | Wholesale of information and communication equipment |
| 58 | Publishing activities |
| 59 | Motion picture, video, and television programme production; sound recording; music publishing activities |
| 60 | Programming and broadcasting activities |
| 61 | Telecommunications |
| 62 | Computer programming, consultancy, and related activities |
| 63 | Information service activities |
| 7112 | Engineering activities and related technical consultancy |
| 712 | Technical testing and analysis |
| 721 | Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering |
| 951 | Repair of computers and communication equipment |
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Leading UK Digital & Technologies Companies
Top companies are advancing innovation across software, hardware, connectivity, and frontier technologies.
These companies not only drive domestic growth but also position the UK as a global technology leader. Platforms like DataGardener provide detailed insights into company capabilities, frontier industries, and emerging trends.
- Fujitsu Limited
Incorporated: 2002
Location: Greater London
Latest Turnover: £18.95b
Provides IT services, consulting, and digital transformation solutions across the UK, supporting businesses with advanced technologies and enterprise systems. - Cognizant Worldwide Limited
Incorporated: 2010
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £11.39b
Delivers IT services, consulting, and digital solutions, helping UK businesses with technology transformation, cloud adoption, and business process innovation. - Sky UK Limited
Incorporated: 1994
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £10.40b
Operates broadcasting and telecommunications services in the UK, providing TV, broadband, and digital services to consumers and businesses. - RELX PLC
Incorporated: 1903
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £9.43b
A global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools, supporting professionals across science, healthcare, and business sectors. - EE Limited
Incorporated: 1989
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £7.05b
Provides mobile and broadband services in the UK, leading innovation in connectivity and digital communications. - Vodafone Limited
Incorporated: 1980
Location: South East
Latest Turnover: £5.82b
Operates mobile telecommunications and digital services across the UK, delivering advanced connectivity and business solutions. - Telefonica UK Limited
Incorporated: 1983
Location: South East
Latest Turnover: £5.63b
Provides telecommunications, broadband, and digital solutions in the UK, supporting both consumer and enterprise customers. - Tech Mahindra Limited
Incorporated: 1995
Location: South East England
Latest Turnover: £4.86b
Delivers IT services, consulting, and technology solutions, enabling UK businesses to adopt digital transformation and innovative technologies. - TikTok Information Technologies UK Limited
Incorporated: 2016
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £4.66b
Operates the TikTok platform in the UK, providing social media services, digital content, and advertising solutions. - Babcock International Group PLC
Incorporated: 1989
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £4.39b
Provides engineering support, defence services, and infrastructure solutions, supporting critical operations in the UK and overseas. - IBM United Kingdom Limited
Incorporated: 1962
Location: South East
Latest Turnover: £3.04b
Offers IT consulting, cloud, and AI solutions, supporting UK businesses with technology integration and innovation. - Dell Corporation Limited
Incorporated: 1986
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £3.01b
Supplies computing, IT infrastructure, and digital solutions to enterprises and consumers across the UK. - Sensata Technologies Holding PLC
Incorporated: 2017
Location: South West
Latest Turnover: £2.93b
Designs and manufactures sensors and electronic components, supporting automotive, industrial, and digital applications in the UK. - IQVIA Ltd.
Incorporated: 1995
Location: South East
Latest Turnover: £2.75b
Provides healthcare data analytics, technology solutions, and consulting services to support medical and life sciences innovation. - Uber London Limited
Incorporated: 2012
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £2.74b
Operates ride-hailing and delivery services in the UK, using digital platforms and advanced mobility technology. - MedImmune Limited
Incorporated: 1989
Location: East of England
Latest Turnover: £2.60b
Focuses on biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, supporting drug development and healthcare innovation in the UK. - Mott MacDonald Group Limited
Incorporated: 1973
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £2.52b
Provides engineering, management, and development consultancy services, supporting infrastructure and technology projects across the UK. - Hutchison 3G UK Limited
Incorporated: 1999
Location: South East
Latest Turnover: £2.50b
Delivers mobile telecommunications services in the UK, focusing on connectivity, 4G/5G networks, and digital services. - Illumina Cambridge Limited
Incorporated: 1998
Location: East of England
Latest Turnover: £2.31b
Specialises in genomic sequencing technologies and biotechnology solutions for healthcare and research applications in the UK. - Universal Studios Limited
Incorporated: 2014
Location: London
Latest Turnover: £2.30b
Operates film production and entertainment services in the UK, producing content for cinema, television, and digital platforms.
Conclusion
The Digital & Technologies sector is a cornerstone of innovation and economic growth in the UK. By driving frontier technologies, enabling cross-industry breakthroughs, and strengthening global competitiveness, it shapes the country’s technological future. With accurate insights and advanced tracking, stakeholders can harness the sector’s full potential.
References:
- Digital & Technologies Sector Plan
- Advanced Connectivity Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence Sector Study 2023
- Cybersecurity Sectoral Analysis 2025
- Semiconductor Sector Study
