Through collaboration and cutting-edge technology, The Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI) is revolutionising digital transformation—enhancing business growth, fostering technological innovation, and accelerating skills development across Greater Manchester (GM).
The Centre for Digital Innovation has created a Greater Manchester supercluster of digital innovation and access to technology. By leveraging expertise from four leading universities and ten GM-based further education colleges, CDI provides critical support in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, industrial digitalisation, and immersive technology. This collaborative approach ensures businesses and communities benefit from the latest technological advancements, bridging the gap between research, industry, and education.
Funding and Economic Impact
The CDI has attracted significant investment, generating substantial economic benefits and job opportunities across the region. The programme has successfully delivered:
- 1,319 people engaged on skills uplift activities, exceeding the initial target of 80, through the Know Digital online platform (390), school engagements, and workshops—with a large proportion accessed by individuals from the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester
- Support for 600+ SMEs in adopting digital innovation to enhance their business models and technological capabilities
- 360 jobs created or safeguarded
- £1 million+ of innovation grant applications submitted
- Co-investment of £5,373,102.25, strengthening the digital infrastructure and supporting growth within GM businesses
Inspiration
CDI’s mission is to establish Greater Manchester as a leader in digital technology by addressing key challenges:
- Accelerating the adoption of digital technologies across industries
- Strengthening GM’s position as a hub for technological innovation and economic growth
- Enhancing collaboration between academic institutions, businesses, and policymakers
- Providing access to digital skills training for disadvantaged communities to foster inclusivity and economic mobility
Researchers, industry leaders and policymakers collaborate through CDI to streamline the pathway for emerging digital technologies from concept to implementation. The initiative also works closely with regulatory bodies and education providers to ensure businesses can effectively integrate new digital solutions.
Innovation and Impact
CDI has driven significant economic and social impact through strategic initiatives:
GM Colleges collaboration: Wigan College received Apprenticeship Growth Pilot funding. Electricity NW and Wigan College are co-developing training programmes for their workforce and purchasing VR/AR mobile classrooms. Wrightington, Wigan, and Leigh (WWL) Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has engaged with Wigan College to integrate VR-based training for cardiology and physiotherapy students.
Industry partner success: SCAN Computers leveraged CDI involvement to expand their enterprise solutions in AI, securing £700,000 worth of new opportunities.
Technical innovation: Gola invested £10,000 in 3D scanners and computing hardware with CDI training support, digitising their sampling process and reducing the need for shipping 6,000 physical prototypes annually.
Sustainability contributions: Rawwater invested in a fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer for composite polymers and secured funding for an accelerated knowledge transfer (AKT). Their digital innovations have contributed to reducing 180,000kg of CO2 emissions within four months.
AI-driven business transformation: Mildon Ltd, a leading diversity and inclusion consultancy, used CDI’s expertise to implement AI for employee survey analysis.
Advancing research and education: OTAQ Ltd has committed £120,000 to fund a PhD studentship. BatchW Ltd continues to offer engineering internships and employment opportunities, while NEBDN is pioneering the use of digital manufacturing techniques to develop novel dental nurse training simulators.
Regional collaboration
CDI fosters collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and policymakers to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies.
CDI remains committed to fostering an inclusive digital economy. The initiative ensures that technological advancements benefit all communities by:
- Providing digital skills training to individuals from the most deprived areas (77.7% of beneficiaries).
- Engaging 19% of business owners and 34% of individual end users from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Expanding the Know Digital learning platform, which now has 390 licenses across over 200 businesses, covering all 10 GM boroughs.
Conclusion
The Centre for Digital Innovation has established itself as a transformative force in Greater Manchester, driving business growth, technological innovation, and skills development. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers, CDI is ensuring that Greater Manchester remains at the forefront of digital advancements while promoting a fairer and more inclusive society. As it continues to scale its impact, CDI is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital innovation in the UK.
Find out more about CDI at centrefordigitalinnovation.ac.uk or explore the programme highlights at the Centre for Digital Innovation YouTube channel.