Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is everywhere, it is embedded in every aspect of our lives. Business, Government, the Health Service, and other users depend on how we capture, manipulate, and share information. ICT has the power to transform the way business operates, the way that government can deliver, and the way science is undertaken to improve life. In an ever-changing world, being able to respond rapidly to new opportunities and challenges is key to the future economic and social prosperity of the UK. A World Bank report identified that ‘early adoption of ICT tools supported by research capacity and skilled people better positions a country to reap the economic and social benefits of those tools.
The Digital Economy will link the world-class ICT research base with the other disciplines needed to deliver its benefits and match those with a strong user pull to deliver a programme of multidisciplinary, user focused research aimed at building a base of people and expertise to put the UK at the forefront of the Digital Economy. Through the Digital Economy we will make a step-change in the type of industrial engagement to pursue key research challenges so that the transformational possibilities of ICT are employed to support the innovation cycle. The initiative will concentrate on areas where the management and presentation of information can have maximum transformational impact: healthcare, transport, and the creative industries.
For more information please visit: www.rcuk.ac.uk/digitaleconomy