We have a bold ambition for the Digital Sector to achieve by 2026…
We have over 29,000 IT & digital employees in the North East.
With 15,250 creative industries employees.
Contributing £2bn to the northern ICT economy.
The Digital for Growth strategy
The North East’s Digital for Growth strategy has been created with the aim of bringing together partners across the North East to maximise opportunities for growth and investment in the region.
Digital for Growth identifies priority areas where the North East LEP will work with partners to build on the region’s assets. These areas are data; infrastructure and connectivity; digital collaboration and enterprise; and workforce
The strategy is led by the North East LEP and will be delivered in partnership with businesses and organisations across the North East, and overseen by a Digital for Growth steering group.
The story so far…
We want the North East to be a place of work and opportunity. Today, our region is a fast growing and diverse economy with passionate and skilled people, a high quality location for business and a hive of science and innovation.
Our vibrant digital community is one of the most productive and fastest developing in the UK, across industry and public services.
To continue growing the sector so significantly and meet our overall target of 100,000 more and better jobs by 2024, it is essential businesses in the digital sector respond to change, address challenges head on, and seize the opportunities.
The region provides a strong business support ecosystem and hosts a volume of vibrant and established digital networks, organisations and events
What support is available?
Digital for Growth Steering Group
In 2019, eight members of the North East business and academic communities were appointed to the North East’s Digital for Growth steering group, supporting the delivery of the region’s digital strategy.
The group includes a cross section of highly experienced representatives from business, education and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which is leading on delivery of Digital for Growth.
Chair of the Steering Group is Stuart Lynn, Founder of Tech North East; Visiting Professor of Technology, University of Sunderland,
Steering group members include:
Richard Baker – Head of Strategy, Policy and Analysis, North East LEP
Deni Chambers – Assistant Principal, Gateshead College
Pete Daykin – Founder, WordNerds
Herb Kim – CEO, Thinking Digital Limited, David Goldman Visiting Professor of Enterprise & Innovation, Newcastle University Business School
Michelle Rainbow – Skills Director, North East LEP
Alison Shaw – Professor of Practice for Success and Progression, Newcastle University.
