West Midlands Tech Review Event 2024: A Leap Towards a Digital Superpower

The event, hosted by Tech West Midlands (TechWM), which took place in Birmingham last week, marked a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards becoming a digital superpower.

Corporate Principal Associate Charlotte Cannell attended the event, which brought together key players in the technology sector. It acted as a catalyst for change, a platform for innovation, and a beacon of hope for the burgeoning tech ecosystem.

Here are our key takeaways:

The Digital Economy Playbook: A blueprint for success

In the heart of England, a revolution is underway with the unveiling of the new Digital Economy Playbook. This guide is the foundation of West Midlands’ digital strategy, serving as a blueprint for success and a testament to the region’s ambition. It equips West Midlands to confidently navigate the digital age.

The West Midlands has been recognised as the fastest-growing tech ecosystem in the country. It’s a magnet for foreign ventures and has been ranked second across Europe for regions of the future by fDi Intelligence. The vision is clear and ambitious: to make the West Midlands a globally recognised tech and digital superpower by 2030.

To achieve this vision, priority missions were outlined. These include having one regional voice and promoting digital diffusion across the country. These strategies are designed to hyper-scale the West Midlands’ tech ecosystem, propelling it to new heights.

Strategic partnerships and patrons

In a move to accelerate the region’s digital economy, techUK has announced a partnership with TechWM. Additionally, four new patrons have joined the cause: Intercity, University of Wolverhampton, OneAdvanced, & RBC Brewin Dolphin. These collaborations signify the region’s commitment to fostering a thriving tech community.

A new tech narrative

The West Midlands is setting out to be the UK’s most exciting tech impact-cluster. A new tech narrative has been crafted, emphasising the region’s potential and its readiness for ‘ruthless collaboration’.

Empowering women and founders

TechWM has launched the ‘Women in Tech Special Interest Group’, aiming to make the West Midlands the top region for women to thrive in tech. Furthermore, the ‘Exited Founders Club’ has been established to bring together some of the brightest minds in the region’s tech ecosystem to connect, inspire, and give back.

Investing in the future

In a significant announcement, it was revealed that £1 million would be invested into various programmes designed to support the region’s tech and digital businesses. This includes a new ‘AI Adoption Accelerator’, which promises to be a game-changer for local enterprises.

The event has set the stage for a transformative era. With its new Digital Economy Playbook and a unified vision, the region is on a steadfast path to becoming a tech and digital superpower by 2030. The future is bright, and the West Midlands is leading the charge.

 

Disclaimer

This information is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. Please contact us for specific advice on your circumstances. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024.

 


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