The Research Councils UK Digital Economy Programme funds a wide spectrum of research
and training within UK universities, to develop and maximise the transformational
impacts of a digital economy for the benefit of society and the economy We are investing
a budget of £120 million over 3 years (2008-2011) in the very best of digital economy
research. Our research is funded through a variety of managed funding mechanims,
from large scale research hubs to feasilbility studies.
Challenges in the Digital Economy require a multidisciplinary input, including
but not limited to, the arts and humanities, economic and social sciences and medical
sciences, in addition to the engineering and physical sciences.
All digital economy research involves the user community, this can include industry,
government, society, charities and other applicable groups. The early involvement
of the user community is vital if new technologies are to be integrated successfully
into business opportunities, technical solutions or commercial products or processes.
The research is helping to understand new technologies and why change is needed.
It also focuses on the impacts of research, and who it will benefit.
The research funded within this programme is very wide ranging, from improving
patient care in hospitals to enhancing the UK creative industries.
Learn more about our Research Hubs,
the Centres for Doctoral
Training, and the four sub-themes :
Communities and Culture,
Sustainable Society,
New Economic Models and
IT as a Utility.