Dave Smith appointed as UK’s national technology adviser

Former Rolls-Royce tech director takes over from Patrick Vallance

Dave Smith, a former director of technology at the car firm Rolls-Royce, has been appointed as the government’s national technology adviser, taking over from Patrick Vallance.

Vallance held the role alongside his position as government chief scientific adviser. The posts were split when he left in April, with Angela McLean taking over the chief scientist role.