Money is not the only object: A focus on place is needed to address regional imbalances in R&D
Without an open regional dialogue on the interconnection of place, technology and investment, there is a real danger that the UK will not be able to keep pace and support innovation to be a global leader, writes Laura Foster, Progamme Manager tech & innovation at techUK
Press releases
Read the accompanying press releases for techUK's reports into 'Strengthening Local Digital Capital' across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the North East, North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humberside regions of England.
Stakeholder initiatives
Local community actors, techUK members and stakeholders from across the industry have undertaken an array of initiatives and bodies of work focused on developing tech ecosystems in every part of the UK.
Building the future we need
Read techUK's eight reports from the Building the Future We Need campaign which explore 'Strengthening Local Digital Capital' across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the North East, North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humberside regions of England.
What is Local Digital Capital and why is it important?
techUK developed the concept of Local Digital Capital from seven dialogues across the UK which describes the building blocks of strong technology ecosystems. These eight components are essential for a nation or region to benefit from digital innovation. High levels of local digital capital allow for the development of strong clusters that deliver growth and better digital services to communities across the UK.
The UK is already one of the world’s leading digital economies, but the benefits have too often been concentrated in London and the South East of England. If we are to build a digital economy that works for everybody, the benefits of digital innovation and growth must be more widely and fairly distributed across the country. This will not happen by accident and concerted action is needed especially in a world where cities, regions and nations around the world are competing for digital leadership.
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Get involved
All techUK's work is led by our members - keep in touch or get involved by joining one of the programmes below
Local Public Services
techUK's Local Public Services Programme provides the forum for local public services to engage with industry to better understand the innovations out there, horizon-scan how the technologies of today and tomorrow can re-imagine local public services and solve some of the most pressing challenges our communities and places face. It also helps connect suppliers with each other, identify new business partnerships to help grow an ever thriving local government ecosystem.
Policy and Public Affairs
techUK's policy and public affairs function makes the case to government and policymakers across Westminster, Whitehall, Brussels and the devolved nations on the most pressing issues facing businesses and the tech sector.
Skills, Talent and Diversity
Making the UK the best place to start and grow a digital business is contingent on our ability to skill, attract and retain the brightest global talent. techUK’s Skills, Talent and Diversity Programme seeks to ensure the UK has a world-leading tech workforce by equipping the pipeline of talent with digital skills to become digital leaders, attracting and retaining a diverse workforce & making sure the UK is an attractive location for talent from across the world.
Our team
Matt Robinson
Julia Ofori-Addo
Matt Robinson
Matt is techUK’s Head of Nations and Regions.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- techuk.org,,techuk.org,
Julia Ofori-Addo
Julia Ofori-Addo supports the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure with administrative and event support, research and communication.
Julia is bilingual – German and English native. Prior to joining techUK, Julia worked as an IT Team Administrator at Interxion Ltd (data center) supporting and coordinating teams with the Incident Management Protocols (IMP), auditing and reporting procedures and processes and assisting senior management with various secretarial/administrative duties. She has exceptional experience in handling and updating in-house database systems and a proven track record of demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
Julia is a graduate at the University of Kent with a BSc in Computer Science and Business Administration. In her personal time, she enjoys current affairs discussions, going to the gym and travelling.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @techUK
- Website:
- www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-ofori-addo/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-ofori-addo/