Digital Technology

The e-Leadership Council will continue to guide the development of a range of activities to ensure that cutting edge technology is available to business, communities and individuals.

This work will be closely aligned to the Digital City and Sunderland Software City in the Innovation, Industry and Science Programme.

Modern economies require high-speed broadband telecommunications because of the growing importance of the Internet for business. The North East already has the most extensive broadband network in the country, following investments made by One NorthEast.

The Agency is coordinating all public sector investment in the region’s information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure via ADIT (the Regional Aggregation Board). We will consider further investments in some areas where improved connectivity will enable more businesses and individuals to benefit from the opportunities offered by the Internet.

The good broadband coverage has been enhanced by the project to digitise all telephone exchanges in the region, benefiting people and businesses close enough to exchanges.

For most areas of the North East the main concern is now the exploitation of the technology by businesses and individuals. Activity is focused on raising skills for Internet use, and importantly on driving demand for ICT as a business tool.

We have established an E-Leadership Council which will influence future broadband development and use. The Agency’s four main delivery vehicles for this are ADIT, the Regional Portal, Codeworks and Business Link.

One NorthEast is simplifying the ICT support offered to businesses. We are focusing on raising the take up of broadband – including the use of satellite and wireless connections - and the use of ICT to boost the efficiency of businesses.

One NorthEast's eBusiness website aims to provide ICT news and information and help the region’s businesses make informed choices on their ICT needs.