Andy Street, as the mayor of the West Midlands, has embarked on a transformative journey to elevate the region’s digital landscape.
His plans are both ambitious and strategic, targeting technology growth, skill enhancement, and investor attraction.
Setting the Stage for Digital Innovation
In his initial period as West Midlands mayor, Andy Street has demonstrated a commitment to digital transformation. His agenda included a mission to Toronto, enhancing connections with tech leaders, and fostering discussions on the digital landscape. Next, a venture to Silicon Valley is anticipated to further this goal.
Street aims to attract a prominent global tech firm to invest in the Midlands. His concerted efforts have already seen dialogues with major investors, including Channel Four, which is distinguished as a significant digital entity.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Priorities
Street’s vision centres on ensuring comprehensive access to superfast broadband for every home and business. This initiative relies heavily on the strategic use of his powers in transport and planning to accelerate the deployment of high-speed fibre infrastructure.
He is advocating for the Midlands to receive an equitable portion of the £1 billion of new government funding designated for digital infrastructure. This allocation is critical for advancing fibre technology deployment and piloting 5G networks.
Supporting Tech and Creative Industries
The West Midlands is a hub for technology and creative enterprises, contributing to 72,000 jobs. Andy Street is not only aware of this but is determined to increase this figure by 29,000 by 2030.
Significant players like ASOS and Codemasters are part of this ecosystem. Street has pledged ongoing support for business clusters in key areas such as the Custard Factory, STEAMhouse, and the Knowledge Quarter, among others.
Street plans to co-sponsor tech accelerators with major firms, aiming to spawn innovative start-ups within existing industries, exemplified by a proposed automotive accelerator with Jaguar Land Rover.
Fostering Digital Skills and Education
A pivotal aspect of Street’s strategy involves launching a Mayor’s Digital Skills Institute. This effort is directed at equipping the youth with the necessary digital skills that match industry demands.
Additionally, a prime objective is to draw internationally recognised tech conferences to the West Midlands. This will not only boost the local economy but also enhance the region’s reputation as a burgeoning tech hub.
Creating a Fertile Ground for Start-Ups
To spur tech growth, Andy Street is focused on fostering a thriving environment for start-ups. This involves collaborations with banks and venture capital firms to ease funding barriers for entrepreneurs.
Efforts are ongoing to increase the influx of tech and creative start-ups, ensuring Birmingham, with its 36,802 digital jobs and a £1.4bn digital GVA, is appealing to new businesses. A tech turnover growth of 33% signifies promising prospects for incoming enterprises.
Birmingham’s history in the automotive industry, coupled with proximity to 18 universities, provides a skilled workforce ready to support innovations like drones and intelligent buildings.
Enhancing Regional Appeal
By capitalising on Birmingham’s unique strengths, such as its skilled automotive workforce, Street seeks to position the region as a leader in new tech domains.
The city’s demographic shifts, including a notable influx of residents from London, underscore Birmingham’s growing appeal. This migration further enriches the talent pool, which is critical for sustaining tech growth.
Ultimately, Street’s initiatives are rooted in leveraging local advantages to build a robust and diversified tech sector, attracting both talent and investment.
Conclusion
The roadmap outlined by Andy Street reflects a comprehensive approach to transforming the West Midlands into a digital and creative powerhouse. By amalgamating infrastructure enhancements, skill development, and robust support for start-ups, the region is poised for a dynamic digital future.
The outlined strategy by Andy Street positions the West Midlands on the path to becoming a leading digital and creative hub.
With a focus on connectivity, talent, and innovation, the region is set for impressive growth.