A new advisory group has been launched to help shape the future development of the technology sector in south-west England and is now open for applications.
Facilitated by Tech South West, the group will include 15 high-level representatives from business and academia, to help develop the strategic direction of the technology sector in the region.
The application process to join the South West England Technology Sector Advisory Group is now open.
Established to promote sustainable growth, innovation and technological progress, the Advisory Group will consider how to better support the region's technology sector, which includes more than 17,500 companies, by developing a strategic and collaborative approach based on agreed priorities.
Toby Parkins, Chairman of Tech South West, who also helped found Software Cornwall, Agile on the Beach Festival and FibreHub Cornwall, said: “The technology sector contributes significantly to the social and economic prosperity of the region. We are a global player in marine, environmental and climate technology, with centers Key in Bristol and elsewhere. This sector has already created over 100,000 jobs, many more career opportunities, and continues to secure investment from across the UK and beyond. We have leading universities, research and technology centres, accelerators and more.
“The sector benefits from a collaborative approach, which is why we believe the Advisory Group, full of exceptional talent and people with experience in industry and academia, can really help us set the future direction and develop the activity.”
The group will have a Chair and Deputy Chair, covering the region including Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire, with administrative support provided by Tech South West.
Dan Pritchard, founder of Tech South West, said: “The South West is already making a fundamental difference globally because of the science and technology developed here. But equally, we need a thriving ecosystem that supports early-stage startups, engages with students, It helps non-technology companies adapt and adopt relevant technologies, and works at every level to address and solve real-world challenges. We need more diversity in this sector, more clarity about what it offers and the positive impacts it creates, and a clear direction for the next decade.
“The Group’s work to shape, monitor and support progress across what is an incredibly broad and diverse technology sector, can be key to ensuring we achieve our potential, and helping the south-west of England to become a vibrant, leading UK hub for technological advancement, opportunity and prosperity.”
Tech South West works alongside Universities, Software Cornwall, Digital Somerset, UWE Future Space, TechSPARK, Plymouth and Exeter Science Parks, Tech Exeter, Silicon South in Dorset, British Business Bank, Innovate UK, SETSquared, Microsoft and Plymouth Freeport , EPIC and many more. And others, to help the sector flourish.
