Woman in a laboratory in the Midlands

Digital

Accelerating digital connectivity

An ethernet cable and fibre wires on top of a laptop

The Midlands is already a centre of excellence in digital innovation. Home to the UK’s first multi-city 5G testbed, enabling 5G connectivity is worth £5 billion to the Midlands economy over the next five years and a further £15.9 billion over the subsequent five years.

As we drive digital levelling up across our region, in partnership we are creating a network of digitised businesses and exceptional digital skills – bridging the digital poverty divide exacerbated by the pandemic. Bringing our entire region up to speed will be fundamental for our prosperity as a region, in the UK and on the world stage. This makes seeking new opportunities to improve digital connectivity crucial if we are to take maximum advantage of the exciting next stages of digital growth.

Leading digital experts, technology firms and public sector influencers are coming together, through the work of the Midlands Engine Digital Strategy Board, to establish a Midlands Digital leadership group. This influential partnership will accelerate regional digital transformation, showcasing our impressive capabilities and potential for growth. We will also actively seek opportunities to scale up innovation as an early adopter and testbed for emerging and new technologies. The challenge of tackling digital poverty is also a priority, as we embrace the opportunity of leveraging existing and new regional capabilities. Midlands Digital is a key driver to boost productivity, amplifying the work of our partners to create a region of unrivalled connectivity, digital innovation and expertise.

Digital connectivity in the Midlands

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First region with digital map of connectivity

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