Dr. Mike Short has built a distinguished career at the intersection of innovation, telecommunications, and public policy. He currently holds a portfolio of advisory and academic roles, including Chair of the UK Telecoms Labs and the UK Telecoms Innovation Network Advisory Boards, and Visiting Professor at the Universities of Surrey and UCL.

From 2017 to 2023, Mike served as Chief Scientific Adviser at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, where he led on technology strategy to support UK exports, digital health, and inward investment.

Earlier in his career, he spent over 30 years in mobile communications with Cellnet, O2 UK, and Telefónica Group, where he played a key role in launching 2G and 3G networks, advancing international research and standards (including 4G/5G) for Telefónica, and pioneering trials in Mobile TV, Smart Metering, Driverless Cars, and Digital Health.

Mike has also held leadership positions as President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Chairman of the GSM Association and UK Mobile Data Association, and Board Member of Innovate UK.