UK Education Solutions & Technology 18 - 26 January 2021
The Department for International Trade’s Education Sector Team are thrilled to be partnering with the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) to offer our first, joint online flagship event for 2021.
The Department for International Trade’s Education Sector Team are thrilled to be partnering with the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) to offer our first, joint online flagship event for 2021.
This is in the absence of our annual in-person UK pavilions at the BETT show, which is now also taking the form of a series of online events, BETT Fest & Learn it, that we aim to complement.
As a result of sustained and ever-growing global interest in UK EdTech, we’re offering an exciting series of virtual activities over 2 weeks in January, aimed at UK EdTech providers, the wider education scene and overseas stakeholders, whether you are new to exporting or looking to expand your international presence. The key sessions are as follows:
- Monday 18th - Wednesday 20th January 2021 - online sessions and Q&A with our overseas-based colleagues on EdTech opportunities and the wider education environment in a selection of international markets and regions.
- Monday 25th - Tuesday 26th January 2021 - the opportunity for prearranged 1-2-1s with DIT’s international colleagues and the UK-based Education Sector Team.
- Monday 18th - Tuesday 19th January 2021 - EdTech knowledge sharing sessions give the opportunity for overseas ministries, buyers and agents to participate in bespoke sessions with a selection of UK EdTech providers. Further details and registration for overseas delegates coming soon. Selected UK Tech providers will be contacted by the event organisers to sign up for this specific activity.
Whilst the main theme of UKEST is EdTech, we also encourage UK providers in other areas of education to join us, particularly the 1-2-1 sessions. We urge you to explore the activities and register now!
Today, 3% of the overall spend on education is spent on digital resources. This has seen a modest increase over the last 5 years. However, most industry experts believe that the COVID pandemic has rapidly increased digital adoption across the sector and positioned providers for significant growth. Education technology has moved from a `nice to have’ to a `must have’. Schools, districts, local and national governments find themselves having quickly to bring themselves up to speed on EdTech policies and preparedness.
The UK has long been regarded as being at the forefront of EdTech, and this is evidenced by the fact that we are amongst the top 5 countries globally for the number of EdTech start-ups; the 4 other countries are those with large domestic markets such as the US, Brazil, China and India. The DIT Education Sector Team, along with our international colleagues and BESA, have continued to showcase the UK’s EdTech capabilities across the globe with ministries and schools, as well as organisations such as the Asian Development Bank. The interest has ranged from products and services from early years to adult learning, advice on formulating national EdTech policies, special education needs and teacher training.
The UK has of course only just ended the transition period on departing the EU, and we are excited about the prospect of new bilateral FTAs in markets where we will have the opportunity to build on the UK’s international reputation for world-beating, innovative, tailored education solutions.
