The draft documents set out how the city region will achieve its ambition to become the UK’s most digitally connected and inclusive city region, that maximises the benefits of digital for all of its businesses, residents, and communities.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“Since I was elected, I’ve been working to make our city region the most digitally inclusive in the country.

“The past few months have reiterated just how essential technology is in almost every aspect of our lives; from how we work and learn, entertain ourselves and, especially, in how we keep in touch with our loved ones.

“Moving forward, digital technology is only going to play a bigger and bigger role in our lives. We’ve decided to take stock of where we’re at and where we want to go by putting together an action plan for our digital strategy.

“I’m really excited by some of the things we’re developing but I know that we don’t have the monopoly on good ideas. I’d really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to have your say on the plans and help us make them even better.”

Councillor David Baines, Portfolio Holder for Digital Connectivity and Inclusion, said:

“The Combined Authority has led on producing the 2021-2023 Digital Strategy and Action Plan, however I am very clear that they are for the whole City Region and will be collectively owned and delivered.

“We are therefore keen to get detailed input from stakeholders from all sectors and all parts of the city region.  Please take the time to let us know what you think – you will be directly influencing our city region’s digital future.”

The draft LCR Digital Strategy and Action Plan sets out six key areas through which change will be delivered by partners across the city region:

The six key areas are:

2. Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity
4. Tech for Good & a Smart City Region
6. Digital & CreaTech Sector Development
8. Cross-Sector Digitalisation & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
10. Digital Skills for Recovery & Growth
12. Digital Inclusion

The documents highlight the scale of the city region’s ambition, showcase its distinctive assets and capabilities, and identify where more needs to be done to maximise opportunities. They will act as a framework to inform all aspects of “digital” activity across the LCR, from the Combined Authority’s own Strategic Investment Fund (SIF), to the work of its constituent Local Authorities.

They also highlight some of the region’s incredible digital assets, including transatlantic internet cables, world-leading high-performance computing via the STFC Hartree Centre and IBM collaboration, and a vibrant and growing tech sector. Exciting ongoing digital projects include a 5G health and social care testbed, plans for a city region-wide ultrafast fibre network, and digital inclusion projects for our most disadvantaged.

The Strategy has been produced on behalf of the City Region by the Combined Authority (CA), working with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and following significant input from the six Local Authorities. The CA has also actively engaged industry-led Sector Boards, academic and research institutions, plus other stakeholders and partners, including voluntary and community organisations.

To comment on the Liverpool City Region’s first Digital Strategy and Action Plan, please visit https://liverpoolcityregionalca.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=160710759907 and follow the survey instructions. If you cannot access the survey online you can request a copy by calling 0151 330 1249.

The closing date for responding is 13 January 2021, and the final draft Strategy and Action Plan will be presented to the LCR Combined Authority in February for approval.