How UK metro mayors are focused on digital transformation
A CGI analysis of the digital priorities of metro mayors around the UK finds many similarities in the areas of focus – but also several shared barriers
Tara McGeehan, president of CGI in UK and Australia
The UK government is focused on driving digital transformation. In the blueprint for modern digital government, the Government Digital Service sets out the need for quicker progress on developing better designed, time-saving public services.
However, improving services is not just the job of central government. Local councils and combined authorities also have the opportunity to use technology to deliver better, more responsive services, and to improve the productivity of their operations.
This is why CGI analysed the manifestos, and transformation plans of the 12 metro mayors from around the UK.
The report identifies the key digital transformation priorities across the UK’s 12 metro mayors, covering: Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, East Midlands, Greater London, North East, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West of England, West Midlands, York and North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire.
Together, these elected mayors represent a combined population of nearly 32 million citizens, and – with the government’s recently published English Devolution White Paper setting out plans for further action – they have a significant role to play in the transformation of the state.
Digital transformation at the forefront of regional development
The analysis found that digital transformation is at the forefront of regional development agendas being developed by the mayors.
There is strong alignment among mayors across five critical areas: digital productivity, digital devolution, digital sovereignty, digital supply chain resilience, and digital sustainability.
The all have in common, a focus on digital devolution, reflecting a collective desire for greater local control over digital infrastructure and decision-making.
Nearly all of the 12 plans (92%) emphasise digital productivity, highlighting the importance of technology in driving regional economic growth and workforce efficiency – and three quarters (75%) recognise the importance of digital supply chain resilience.
However, only half (50%) address digital sovereignty – the ability of a country or organisation to have control over their own digital infrastructure, data, and technology – revealing a varied approach to protecting the public sector.
With universal emphasis on digital sustainability and digital devolution, there is a clear opportunity to deliver solutions tailored to these critical needs.
At the same time, the disparity in focus on digital sovereignty signals a need for targeted education and collaboration to ensure secure, autonomous digital ecosystems that benefit all regions.
Finally, all the mayors prioritise action on digital sustainability, showcasing a shared commitment to tackling climate change through innovative, digital solutions.
A critical time to make progress on transformation
This therefore is a pivotal moment for the UK’s regions. While the ambition in these plans is clear, accessing the right talent and skills remains a significant challenge in turning these goals into reality.
The review finds that metro mayors face several key challenges to support their constituents with digital transformation efforts. These include addressing digital skills shortages and ensuring equitable access to high-speed connectivity.
Addressing this will require innovative thinking and collaboration across sectors to ensure the necessary expertise is available to drive digital productivity, sustainability and resilience.
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