Realising the Potential of Digital to Transform Our Economy and Build Economic Resilience
Outcome
All SMEs and micro business adopt basic digital technologies to boost output and productivity.
Firms across the regional economy adopt advanced digital technologies (e.g. AI, blockchain, VR/AR, 5G, IoT).
Regional Activity
Realising the role of digital in driving the four major
new market opportunities in the Local Industrial
Strategy:
- Future of Mobility – particularly connected and autonomous vehicles
- Data Driven Health and Life Sciences
- Creative Content, Techniques, and Technologies
- particularly gaming cluster, eSports and screen sector (supported by Create Central) - Modern Services – particularly role of digital in ‘as a Service’ opportunities in professional services industry
Growth Hubs working with regional SMEs to boost digital technology adoption and promote e-commerce, alongside private sector partners such as Amazon Small Business Accelerator (with Enterprise Nation), Lloyds Bank Yes Business Can, Google Garage, Microsoft Store, Digital Boost (BCG and Founders4Schools), and Be The Business’s Digital platform.
Drive innovation through over 24 specialist schemes
across LEPs, Universities, and other partners that provide digitally focussed business support, including Aston University’s Think Beyond Data and Coventry University’s Focus Digital (outlined in Innovation Ecosystem audit led by the MIT REAP project).
Ensuring digital is at the heart of HS2, through programmes like the HS2 Innovation Accelerator.
Support the first digital & 5G Commonwealth Games and City of Culture – enabling global audiences to experience these iconic events, and creating links with other regional cultural events like DESIblitz’s Online Literature Festival.
Promote our digital economy internationally, working with the West Midlands Growth Company and Midlands Engine.
Key Actions in 2021
Partner with Be the Business to support the diffusion of digital technologies in micro firms and SMEs.
Seek to secure and rollout a West Midlands Made Smarter programme to accelerate tech adoption in manufacturing.
Drive 5G adoption and application in SMEs through WM5G 5PRING Accelerator based in our three cities.
Make case for the StudioUK innovation hub for media production, in partnership with the Digital Catapult.
Partner with the Institute for the Futureof Work on being a pathfinder region for human-centred tech adoption.