The BBC’s research and development unit is to transform into six different teams which it says will have a sharper focus to deliver value for audiences, the creative sector and the wider industry.
In a blog post, BBC chief technology officer Peter O’Kane said the decision follows the broadcaster’s plans to become a “leaner, more agile organisation as it accelerates its digital-first approach to ensure audiences can access the BBC when and how they want”.
This means the BBC will close and transfer roles in some areas and create roles in growth areas – with an expected total reduction of around 500 public service roles by the end of March 2025.
O’Kane said that in order to for the BBC to provide “a centre of excellence” for research and development in broadcasting, as set out in the Royal Charter, it needs to explore technologies that can help support the BBC’s mission through sustainable innovation.
“As part of this transformation, and to ensure BBC R&D remains a centre of excellence and continues to foster world class innovations, we’ll be reorganising to give ourselves a sharper focus,” said O’Kane.
“That’s why we are reshaping our R&D teams and skills to get the best out of our expertise, know-how, talent and resources. We want to accelerate how fast we innovate – collaborating with teams internally and organisations externally to make sure audiences get the best value from the BBC – and do everything we can to support the move to digital services delivered over the Internet.”
The six teams will include:
- Applied Research Area – Artificial Intelligence: Advancing the application of Large Language Models and AI Safety by bridging AI research with other disciplines to tackle real-world challenges
- Applied Research Area – Media: Driving the transformation in the tools, streaming and distribution technologies – to ensure our products and services can be delivered efficiently on internet-connected devices
- Applied Research Area – Foundation: Facilitating the shift to new ways of computing, storing and managing media and AI applications
- Propositions team: Working with BBC and industry partners to design and develop comprehensive innovative digital experiences that are ready for market
- Advisory team: Defining and influencing technology standards, innovative research roadmaps and policy and regulation
- Portfolio and Delivery team: Accurately tracking and managing the delivery of research projects
“This change won’t be easy – but this refocused, smaller team will help us deliver our key objectives to support the BBC’s mission, providing value for all – while setting us for a fast-paced changing world that is increasingly digital.,” said O’Kane “I’m excited that BBC R&D can and will continue to be a centre of excellence, as we help to create a BBC for the future.”
