The core TiPS activity is to directly support firms in adopting technology. This is being accomplished by providing various forms of training and support, tailored to the level of readiness and ambition of individual firms. Firms may also become part of the TiPS community and participate in other events and activities. These events and activities help us to achieve the wider objective of understanding the opportunities and challenges of technology adoption in professional services, and helping accelerate it across the sector as a whole.
Firms can apply to participate in free training and support related to Microsoft 365 applications, complete a contact form so as to be kept informed of activities and events, or write to us to explore other possible ways of collaborating.
The aim is to help firms exploit the technology they already have, or can easily access – MS 365 tools such as Power Automate and Power BI – to enhance service delivery. This path is for firms with relatively little experience of using advanced digital technology in delivering their services. TiPS will fund online training in multi-firm groups, and provide structured support in identifying a feasible pilot application and seeing it through to a conclusion. The objective is to achieve a successful application of a relevant technology in a particular practice area or process, within a few months. The programme consists of:
Proof-of-Concept acceleration is for firms with some experience of digital innovation and typically supports the adoption of industry-specific technology. It began in April 2024 and runs until early 2025. It is delivered partly in-person, partly online, and with a cohort of participants from eight selected firms in both law and accountancy.
Modelled on start-up accelerators, this model of adoption acceleration provides a package of support, including initial diagnostic advice, masterclasses, mentoring, peer-group learning activities, and funding to help kick-start technology adoption. Participants pursue projects in their own firms, but come together – in person and online – as a cohort, approximately every month.
Strategic acceleration is for firms with extensive digital innovation experience and allows them to extend and develop their digital adoption at firm-wide or advanced level. Three selected firms are being supported in this way, and it involves bespoke funding and advisory support, complemented by masterclasses from leading academics in the field, and cohort-based events. This too will run until early 2025.
In all three acceleration models, participating firms commit time – to allow staff to participate in training and other activities and events, and to work on application projects in their firms. Firms may also commit additional resources: for example, firms may pay for software licences themselves, and use TiPS support to provide specialised advisory services.
Firms also commit to participating in the research aspect of the TiPS programme. This includes allowing TiPS researchers to monitor and discuss with them the progress of adoption projects and other activities, and agreeing, for example, to complete surveys and participate in interviews. All research participation is covered by university research ethics procedures to ensure informed consent to participate, and to protect individual and commercial confidentiality.
