Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

What do we
need to change ?
Digital Economy
For information on sources of data
used within the Digital Economy goal,
please see the evidence base, part 2
section 5 and statistical annex
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3.3 Digital Economy
Accelerating the use of digital technologies in
public services, society and commerce
Digital technologies are rapidly shaping economies through broadband,
digital broadcasting, telecommunications and wireless technologies.
This is driving competition, productivity, innovation and growth in
business; influencing work patterns; access to public services;
revolutionising education and training, leisure and entertainment.
Our global competitiveness and prosperity depend upon securing the
maximum benefit from digital technologies. The region has a relatively
high take-up of broadband, but there are sub-regional differences and the
quality of the broadband available is still an issue. The challenge for us is
even wider adoption of information and communications technologies
(ICT) to improve efficiency and enable innovation.
The ability to adopt digital technology is vital to the effectiveness of all
organisations as it presents new opportunities for the way services are
planned and delivered, for example, in healthcare, education and in
community participation in decision-making.
Economic growth through the effective exploitation of digital technologies
requires next-generation broadband and digital infrastructures offering a
utility service available throughout the region at affordable prices.
Leading cities and regions are already planning the provision of nextgeneration
services and integrating technology into buildings. This region
must ensure it is not left behind as faster broadband becomes available
and, with its expertise in digital and building technologies, must strive to
be a leader in this area too.
What will success look like?
• widespread access to the latest digital infrastructure for businesses
and households
• a more efficient and innovative economy through maximum
exploitation of ICT by businesses and households
• businesses and individuals able to use ICT proficiently, with a reduction
in information technology skills gaps among the region’s workforce
• transformation in working methods, with an increased share of
enterprises adopting smarter/flexible working practices
• reduction in overall travel resulting from use of ICT
• a digital infrastructure that ranks highly among leading international
regions.