Digital working for us – Central Bedfordshire 2050

Digital working for us

We want to ensure all generations feel ready for a new digital age. Technology and data will be used only where it improves our lives.

Opportunities

Digital technologies present an opportunity to play a role in reducing the social isolation associated with an ageing population.

The delivery of new housing and commercial space presents opportunities to integrate digital initiatives into new developments and secure planning gain for existing communities.

We have the opportunity to re-focus lifelong learning with the digital skills sector a primary focus to ensure that the deficiencies in this area identified by SEMLEP are overcome.

Challenges

Not all in Central Bedfordshire currently have sufficient digital skills. If this digital skills divide persists, there is a risk that some are left behind economically and socially.

There are pockets of deprivation in Central Bedfordshire where education and skills challenges exist. Residents in these locations may face challenges accessing digital technologies due to cost and digital literacy.

Whilst digital technology can help reduce loneliness, enhanced remote working and working from home may increase isolation. Ensuring the delivery of flexible working environments will help promote connection and integration among remote workers.

Trends

Broadband deployment

Broadband deployment within the area remains ongoing and will achieve 97.5% Superfast coverage by mid-2019. Central Bedfordshire’s broadband is currently achieving 64.5% Ultrafast speeds.

Digital technology

Last year, the UK tech sector attracted £6.3 billion in venture capital investment, outperforming the rest of Europe. But more than 12 million adults in England, and one in five adults in Scotland, lack the skills they require to use digital technologies.