UK pureplays add blockchain tech and drones to shopping lists
Research into the spending plans of UK e-commerce companies flags up ID tech as a top priority and drones on the rise.
A study by Statista on behalf of MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency, included a survey of 144 decision makers within UK e-commerce companie.
It highlights the importance of outsourcing of innovation, and opportunities for specialist startups, spin-outs and scale-up companies to support the e-commerce sector with its next phase.
When considering technologies currently used, the research found the biggest partnership opportunities within blockchain, ID verification, robotics, and mobile payments, where one in three companies are working with third-party service providers for implementation.
71% of respondents highlighted AR/VR and drones as solutions that they would either implement in cooperation with external providers or fully utilise third-party services.
Although current technology usage sits at around 6% of e-commerce players, 14% of companies indicated they will use drones within the next 12 months.
One in threes, meanwhile, said they rely on service providers to develop cyber security methods.
Tim Newns, CEO at MIDAS, says: “The research provides a view of future development and tech procurement demands of e-commerce companies in the UK - signalling areas where partnerships with specialist digital suppliers will support the next phase of innovation.”
“This type of collaboration has fuelled Manchester’s rapid growth as a global digital hub, which has attracted thousands of e-commerce and related businesses who have joined the thriving digital community we support here.”
