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Image credit: © Paul Blakemore

What is Digital Transformation?

Digital transformation is the process of using, and enabling the use of digital technologies to drive fundamental change to meet the needs of the individual or business.

Why is it important?

We want digital transformation to deliver better outcomes for people and place so that:

  • Everyone can get online and use digital services and our economy has the skills required for digital transformation at all levels
  • All our businesses and third sector organisations are digitally capable and can maximise digital opportunities
  • The region delivers best in class digital public services to provide a better experience for residents
  • We use our digital innovation ecosystem to address key regional and global challenges such as net zero and nature recovery

Our ethos is that digital transformation must put people first, be ethical and be fair.

The West of England Digital Plan priority areas

The West of England Digital Plan has been co-created with the Councils (including North Somerset) and sets out our collective 'digital' ambitions for the region, guiding what we do and where we invest. It focuses on tackling these five challenges:

Digital infrastructure

The region is digitally connected, with access to world-class digital infrastructure that is fast, secure and reliable.

Digital inclusion and skills

Our people and businesses can get online, use digital services and have the skills required for digital transformation at all levels.

Digital growth

Our businesses and third sector organisations are digitally capable and can maximise digital opportunities

Digital public services

The region delivers best in class digital public services to provide a better experience for residents.

Digital tech for good

Our digital innovation ecosystem is harnessed to address key regional and global challenges.

Good Things Foundation

Can you help contribute to our understanding?

The Mayoral Combined Authority is partnering with Good Things Foundation, the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, to help close the digital divide that still exists in the West of England. Good Things Foundation will lead a 10-week discovery project, working with Cosmic, Connected by Change, and the University of Liverpool, to better understand the current state of digital provision in the region. This insight will help inform future interventions and make them more effective and beneficial to local residents. If you would like to contribute to this, or are part of an organisation that could help, please contact digital@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.

Made Smarter West of England

We're offering businesses wide-ranging support to help introduce the right technology to tackle business challenges.

Find out more

We're addressing our regional challenges to support digital transformation in the West of England. Together, we’re creating a better, greener future for all our residents and businesses.