8 recommendations for correcting the UK’s regional tech imbalance

The Local Digital Index 2024 outlines a number of measures that can benefit regions currently missing out on rapid digital growth.

techUK’s recommendations focus on areas of the UK that are currently missing out on a boom era for the country’s tech sector, with a digital economy now worth £99billion annually and growing at 10% annually. Britain is now the third biggest technology hub in the world, employing 1.7million people. 

But according to the Local Digital Index 2024, this success is spread unevenly, with London, the South and South East of England performing significantly stronger than other regions. Meanwhile, cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds offer case studies to prove that other areas can firmly establish themselves as centres for the sector, given the right support. 

A number of recommendations have now been made which could shape the next decade of digital development in the UK, offering guidance to funding organisations including Innovate UK alongside local authorities and private companies. This begins with improving access to super-fast gigabit broadband connections outside of major urban hubs, with rural areas particularly lacking in. this infrastructure and data centres, critical to support artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, clustered in Slough, East London and Manchester. 

Steps to rebalance the uneven digital economy include: 

*An extension of tax relief for regional startups

*Building collaboration through testbeds and trial programmes, allowing innovative firms to try out products and knowledge-share more effectively 

*Launch annual nations and regions digital technology suits, bringing together policymakers, tech leaders and other stakeholders 

*Develop localised digital inclusion strategies to ensure communities are not left behind and skills gaps are bridged 

*Build out the Shared Rural Network with a wider support programme aimed at enhancing connectivity and skills, and nurturing economic growth 

*Create a whole-of-UK CivTech programme, modelled on Scotland’s initiative which focuses on public sector technology challenges 

*Establish regional tech innovation offices to promote collaboration between public and private sector, expediting scaling digital services and opportunities

The digital economy is at the heart of the UK’s future prosperity, but its benefits must reach everyone,’ said Matthew Evans, Director for Markets and COO at techUK. ‘If the UK tech sector is to achieve its full potential, we must move beyond regional imbalances and build an ecosystem that prioritises investment, skills, and infrastructure development to allow every part of the UK to flourish.’

The Index is a vital tool for highlighting regional and city strengths to see who is leading the way and where there are opportunities to learn and collaborate. In the 21st century to be competitive we actually need to be highly collaborative,’ Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. To look beyond our regional boundaries to a shared national ambition to grow our economy in a way that benefits everyone.’

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Image: Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona