Tech leaders push AI rules to unlock opportunities

Technology executives, academics, investors, and entrepreneurs have called for stronger artificial intelligence governance, greater investment in digital skills, and closer collaboration between industry and academia to unlock economic growth as AI reshapes businesses and the future of work.

The calls were made at the Tech Derby Conference 2026, held during East Midlands Tech Week, where participants examined how AI is creating new commercial opportunities while raising fresh questions around regulation, accountability, and public trust.

Tech Derby Chief Executive Akindayo Akindolani said in a statement on Tuesday that the conference demonstrated the value of bringing together founders, investors, universities, businesses, and community leaders around a shared technology agenda.

“Tech Derby was created to build a stronger technology ecosystem in Derby and the wider East Midlands. This conference showed what is possible when founders, professionals, universities, investors, businesses, and community leaders come together around a shared vision,” he said.

Akindolani said AI and digital innovation should not be concentrated in major cities alone, adding that Derby had the talent and ambition to become a significant player in the UK’s next phase of digital economic development.

He said Tech Derby would continue expanding programmes focused on AI training, startup support, technical education, hackathons, and ecosystem partnerships to strengthen regional innovation.

Tech Derby’s co-founder and event project manager, Olawale Olatunji, said discussions throughout the conference reinforced the role of AI, responsible innovation, and digital skills in supporting business growth and positioning the region as a growing technology hub.

Head of the School of Computing at the University of Derby, Professor Stephan Reiff-Marganiec, said preparing the workforce for an AI-driven economy would require stronger partnerships between universities, businesses, and local communities.

He said developing local talent was critical to ensuring people could take advantage of emerging technological opportunities as AI adoption accelerates across industries.

The conference also highlighted examples of AI-driven innovation in practice. Ajibola Shokunbi of AudioInsight UK demonstrated how artificial intelligence is being applied in music education, arguing that research-led innovation can be translated into practical commercial solutions with real-world impact.

A panel on AI governance and responsible innovation focused on issues including transparency, accountability, data governance, and human oversight, with participants arguing that these principles are essential to building public confidence in AI technologies.

Moderating the discussion, Director at Tech Derby and Head of the Tech Advisory & Policy Group, Adepeju Bello, said AI was no longer an emerging technology but one that was already transforming business operations and decision-making across sectors.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a future technology; it is already transforming how we work, learn, communicate, make decisions, and build businesses,” Bello said. “From healthcare and finance to education, government and entrepreneurship, AI is creating incredible opportunities for innovation and growth.”

PhD Researcher and Co-founder of Tech Derby, Joseph Origbo, said technological progress alone would not be enough to build a competitive digital economy.

He said sustained investment in skills development, partnerships, and trust would be equally important in ensuring that innovation delivered inclusive economic growth.

Software developer Omolara Oladipupo also highlighted the commercial potential of emerging technologies, including agentic AI, urging small and medium-sized businesses to monitor new digital tools that could improve productivity, competitiveness, and long-term growth.