Digital Economy
Priorities
Priority 1: Improving efficiency and innovation through the application of digital technologies
Many of the region’s businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular, have yet to exploit fully the benefits that ICT can bring. They need access to specialised high-quality and independent ICT expertise to demonstrate how ICT and digital technologies can improve productivity in their unique circumstances.
Embracing digital applications, systems and services will ultimately transform the region’s businesses and help reduce ‘digital exclusion’. Evidence indicates that the major driver of the productivity lead of the US over Europe is its rapid adoption of ICT right across the economy, combined with better management practices.
ICT makes flexible working an option for many organisations, increasing the availability of labour and providing significant environmental benefits. ICT can change working methods, aid the management of demand for travel and improve the flow of people and goods.
The region’s public sector has a particular role to play in encouraging SMEs to participate in e-procurement, an integral part of the buying and selling process.
Priority 2: Equipping people and businesses with the skills and capability to innovate through digital technologies
Recent research on ICT skills in the region suggests that only 58 per cent of businesses are confident that staff have the knowledge to develop their ICT. Scarcity of appropriately skilled personnel may be a serious threat to the region’s businesses and economy. ICT user skills will continue to be a factor in enabling individuals to find work.
ICT is fundamental to business change, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, so in addressing ICT skills gaps, it is equally important for the region’s organisations to have the right management and leadership skills to derive full benefits from ICT implementation.
Literacy and numeracy are basic-level skills or ‘skills for life’ and now ICT skills are equally important, especially in the workplace. ICT training can motivate people to develop literacy, numeracy and language skills and is an increasingly popular way to acquire and develop skills.
Priority 3: Investing in a leading digital infrastructure
The region has good basic broadband availability (99.7 per cent of the region). The region needs higher-speed services to remain competitive, to attract new and retain existing businesses and to meet business requirements. Higher speeds will bring better, faster and more productive ICT solutions for business, service delivery and the home.
Broadband, telecommunications, wireless technologies and software are the foundations of the region’s digital infrastructure. We must continually monitor and benchmark the region’s digital infrastructure against our competitors and ensure that excellent services are available throughout the region. Where necessary, we must stimulate demand for such services and promote their benefits.
The region is strong in developing digital technologies and software, with higher levels of long-term GVA and employment growth than the national average. The continued growth of this internationally renowned cluster is a priority, not least because it helps to deliver economic and social benefits to the wider region through enabling technology and knowledge transfer.
Implementation priorities
- enabling SMEs to enhance their productivity using new digital technologies through advice and skills development
- increasing the quantity and quality of ICT skills provision to increase the rate of adoption of digital technology
- lobbying, collaborating and planning for region-wide availability of high-speed broadband services comparable to competitor regions across the world.