Digital is both a driver and enabler of a significant amount of the socio-economic activities in the region. Many institutions including the United Nations and UK Government illustrate the importance of digital to all aspects of life. A common theme which emerges from these institutions is the role that digital can play in creating an inclusive society.
Digital also matters in economic terms:
- £4bn is generated through the creative and digital sector across the West Midlands metropolitan area.
- We are home to 25% of the UK’s games output and the 2nd largest cohort of computer science students in the UK.
- Key growth sectors, including Fintech which is currently worth over £400m, employs over 7,000 FinTech specialists, and generates more than 6% of the UK’s entire FinTech GVA.
- Digital could also support £2.7bn growth in annual GVA and an additional 52,700 jobs by 2025 across the wider West Midlands.
- We are the best connected region for 5G with 65% of the region having coverage.