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21 Jun 2024

techUK Local Digital Index 2024

Project Description

techUK is looking to commission the production and publication of the 2024 iteration of the Local Digital Index and report to show the strength of regional tech ecosystems across the United Kingdom

Background

techUK’s Local Digital Index was first published in 2020 during the Covid19 pandemic. It was clear the pandemic would have lasting effects on the economy and particularly the digital economy. techUK undertook to find out what makes up a strong tech ecosystem and conducted a number of ‘digital dialogues’ with members, partners, stakeholders and others from across government, the public and private sector. This process found a number of indicators that could be used to assess the relative strength of a regional tech ecosystem.

This yielded a further request to use data to draw this information together, further strengthen the analysis and make policy suggestions for Government (local, devolved and national) as well as private sector partners as to on how tech ecosystems can be improved, grown and strengthened.

techUK's Local Digital Capital Index was born (renamed Local Digital Index in 2023).

Objective

The Index should be a tool to aid policy makers and a way to see the impact and value of the tech sector for the national and regional economies. The Index should highlight strengths and providing direction for future development, projects and interventions as well as providing data that can aid learning and collaboration between regions and localities.

Process and timelines

We would expect the project to take 4-5months from commissioning. techUK's Nations and Regions (N&R) team and N&R Council will draw together a working group to aid the creation of the Index, assess progress and provide feedback.

Outputs

techUK would look to have:

1x Index data that maps against the 7 components measured in 2023 and across all ITL1 and ITL2 areas

1x Mapping tool allow for regional comparison

1x Report referencing Index data, regions and recommendations written with techUK

Costs for each element of the Index project should be itemised, techUK may commission some elements rather than all depending on costs, budgets and timelines.

techUK would welcome discussion with the successful commissioning partner on new or additional data sets, including ‘local’ data working with Combined Authorities (including creating national standards on components that others could follow).

The 2024 Index should maintain and retain elements such as measuring the 7 components measured in 2023, data and data sources being shared in publication (public, open and transparent data), include all ITL1 and ITL2 regions, and retain a digital GVA figure for each region.

The report should look to spotlight three regions and 3 potential international comparator states/regions or countries.

The Index, mapping and report will be cobranded with techUK and any potential sponsor’s alongside the successful commissioning partner.

And techUK will look to hold a publication and discussion event in December 2024 (location TBC) alongside and in conjunction with the successful commissioning partner and any event sponsors.

Budget

Up to £25-£35,000 total

techUK would welcome discussion on each output to understand and plan for sufficient budget to be allocated to each and for techUK members to ‘sponsor’ some or all of the Index

Timeline for the tendering process

Tender open – 20 June 2024

Queries and clarifications window – 20 to 4 July 2024

Applications window – 4 July 2024 to 18 July

Tender award response – w/c 22 July 2024

Delivery – November 2024

Published and launch – December 2024

References

Local Digital Index 2023

techUK Nations and Regions programme

Nations and Regions Council

Matt Robinson

Head of Nations and Regions, techUK

Matt is techUK’s Head of Nations and Regions.

Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.

Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.

He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.

If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: techuk.org,,techuk.org,

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techUK – Building Stronger Local Economies

techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience. We provide opportunities for our members and local stakeholders to meet, build relationships, and collaborate to drive forward local projects. For more information or to get in touch, please visit our Nations and Regions Hub and click ‘contact us’.

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