North East LEP announces Digital For Growth strategy

The North East LEP recently launched its Digital For Growth strategy, aimed at bringing together partners across the region to maximise opportunities for growth and investment.

Digital For Growth builds on the North East’s capacity for growth in digital businesses, as identified in the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan.

The full strategy was launched on October 3 at an event attended by North East digital businesses, academia, digital networks and enterprises.

It identifies priority areas such as data, infrastructure, connectivity, digital collaboration and workforce.

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.”

Led by the North East LEP, the strategy will be 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.”