Today a new digital strategy for the North East was revealed. Digital for Growth has been created with the aim of bringing together partners across the North East to maximise opportunities for growth and investment in the region.
The strategy is being led by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and builds on opportunities identified in the region’s Strategic Economic Plan – the road map for creating more and better jobs in the North East.
Laura Partridge, Digital Programme Lead at the North East LEP, said: “We have ambitious and innovative businesses operating in the digital sphere in every part of the North East, ranging from start-ups to established global names.
“Add to that our universities, our digital hubs and networks, and the vast range of businesses in all sectors which are embracing digitalisation, and you have a digital ecosystem which is key to our future success as a region.”
The full strategy was launched today at an event attended by representatives from the North East digital community including digital businesses, academia, digital networks and enterprises.
Digital for Growth identifies priority areas where the North East LEP will work with partners to build on the region’s assets. These areas are data; infrastructure and connectivity; digital collaboration and enterprise; and workforce.
The strategy is led by the North East LEP and will be delivered in partnership with businesses and organisations across the North East, and overseen by a Digital for Growth steering group.
Stuart Lynn, Chair of the Digital for Growth steering group, and Founder of Tech North East, said: “We know that digital technology and digitalisation present huge opportunities for the North East, and the best way for us to capitalise on these is by working together as a region. Digital for Growth brings together our digital businesses, networks and communities, providing a clear direction for us to continue to grow and develop our digital sector.”
Laura Partridge added: “There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer when it comes to digital and this is an area of the economy that’s continually evolving and changing. This strategy will therefore be flexible and dynamic and be a thematic pipeline of activity which will be reviewed in response to new opportunities and challenges.
“Ultimately, our aim is to demonstrate that we’re home to a collaborative, cohesive and ambitious digital economy, and to reap the benefits of this for our businesses and communities. We have such a vibrant and ambitious digital sector that I have no doubt we can work together to achieve our aims.”
The Digital for Growth strategy and executive summary can be read on the North East LEP website at nelep.co.uk.