TechUK has published a manifesto aimed at strengthening the UKs digital workforce and urging politicians and policy makers to recognise the importance of a robust tech-based economy.

The manifesto, titled Securing our Digital Future: the TechUK manifesto for growth and jobs 2015-2020, calls for the next government to use technology-led innovation to deliver high quality public services, increase productivity and secure up to a million new jobs that will help drive and inclusive and secure society.

TechUK, which represents over 850 companies ranging from FTSE 100 leaders to innovative startups, believes that the next five years are crucial, not just for turning the UK into a digital leader, but also for using digital technologies to tackle fundamental social and economic challenges that will affect the next generation.

“Tech and digital have a fundamental role to play in almost everything the next government will need to do, as we continue to rebuild our economy for the 21st century,” said Julian David, CEO of TechUK. “Thats why today TechUK is launching its manifesto as a roadmap to 2020. The key message for politicians is that voters and industry alike want the Government to secure our digital future.”

The calls to action made in the manifesto include the demand for dedicated Digital Ministers for every government department, a new Chief Privacy Officer and a new FCO Digital Trade tsar, who would work together to double UK tech exports by 2020. The manifesto also calls for a smart migration policy that attracts tech skills to the UK, a commitment to free speech and data protection on the web and a digital inclusion program that ensures everyone has basic online skills by 2030.