Our Digital Priorities

The North East’s Digital programme is underpinned by 7 priorities:

Digital Inclusion (Councils leading)

We will work in collaboration to deliver a Minimum Digital Living Standard, aimed at tackling digital exclusion by providing targeted digital support to those most affected by poverty, disability, unemployment, and social isolation.

Digital Connectivity (Councils leading)

We will help to improve access to high-speed internet (fixed and wireless) for homes, businesses and visitors across the region, especially for underserved communities.

Digital Innovation (Councils leading)

We will support the deployment of advanced connectivity technologies (ACT) to position the North East at the frontier of technological advancement.

Digital Talent (Councils contributing)

Digital Adoption (Councils contributing)

Digital Economy (Councils contributing)

AI Growth Zone (Councils contributing)

Governance

Initiatives are overseen by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority Digital Leads group, made up of the seven North East council Heads of IT and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority’s Head of Technology and Transformation, chaired by Sunderland City Council’s Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services.

June 2026