The Digital City Network will host a virtual exhibition and solutions showcase, and a wide range of keynotes, masterclasses, Q&As, seminars and more, as well as the Digital City Awards on April 15th.
GMCA’s panel, looking at the digital divide, is based on a recent report from the Good Things Foundation and Liverpool University which suggested that levels of digital exclusion are heightened by regional inequalities, raising queries about hidden vulnerabilities.
In the UK, up to 9 million lack the basic digital skills needed for work or life, and in Greater Manchester as many as 1.2 million are excluded from the benefits of digital. 700,000 only use the internet in a narrow or limited way, while 450,000 more are entirely ‘non-users’.
The panel will discuss COVID as a potential catalyst for enacting rapid digital transformation, and explore the necessary steps to put people at the heart of economic recovery.
Sara Todd, Chief Executive of GMCA Digital, said: “In 2020, we announced our intention that Greater Manchester become a 100% digitally enabled city region, building on our commitment to put people at the heart of our plans. Access to the digital world should be a basic human right, everyone whatever their age, location, or situation, should be able to benefit from the opportunities digital brings.
“Greater Manchester is known for doing things differently, collaboration is in our DNA and during the pandemic we’ve seen success from bringing together industry, VCFSE, public and private sector partners, local government, schools and health and social care sectors. That joined-up way of working has been a catalyst to respond quickly and effectively, particularly over the last 12 months. But we must ensure that we don’t ignore the lessons learned.
“Digital inclusion isn’t just a Greater Manchester issue and it is an evolving beast. We know from experience that great things happen when we work together. We hope by sharing our story, others will be inspired to tackle this global challenge!”
