Our Digital Priorities

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

Digital Inclusion

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

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

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

Digital Talent

We will work with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and contribute to growing the tech-talent pipeline, raising aspirations and skills levels and creating clear pathways into the opportunities in digital for all.

Digital Adoption

We will work with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and contribute to supporting SME’s to adopt digital technology to improve productivity and efficiency.

Digital Economy

We will work with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and contribute to supporting the growth of the digital economy by improving infrastructure, supporting cyber resilience and promoting growth.

AI Growth Zone

The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority leads the work to deliver the AI Growth Zone.

Governance

Initiatives are overseen by the Digital Leads group, made up of the seven North East council Lead Officers for IT and Digital in collaboration with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority’s Head of Technology and Transformation..

June 2026