NICD engages with local, regional, national and international policy development in order to deliver on its mission. Last month, as part of PICTFOR, it helped launch the Tech for Good, Tech for Growth report at an event in Westminster.
The Centre’s contribution to the report sets out how it works to help businesses and organisations of all sizes to unlock insights and value from their own data.
Since NICD's launch in 2017, it has delivered successful projects with over 80 businesses, public organisations, and charities. Their programme of events have also engaged with over 10,000 attendees.
Success for NICD is the effective transfer of data science skills into the regional and national economy. Priding itself on the credibility it has earned with industry and public partners, NICD's success is built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to unlocking potential.
Professor Paul Watson, Director of NICD, said: "Working with partners in PICTFOR enabled us to showcase impact on a national basis, and build new relationships to meet enduring tech challenges facing our society and economy.
‘’Our contribution highlighted the ways in which NICD’s specialism in data science can help support the new Department for Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSIT) agenda for the safe and secure adoption of advanced technologies such as AI.’’
Delivering innovation
From discussions with Ministers and Senior Civil Servants, and HM Opposition representatives, it is clear many in Westminster and Whitehall are aware that NICD and Newcastle University are playing a significant role in helping businesses and public services to innovate and thrive. NICD delivers this in partnership and as part of a growing digital economy in the region.
Following the report launch, NICD is now following up discussions with fellow APPG members and other partners; including with Civil Servants, to understand how their expertise and experience of working with businesses of all sizes and the public sector, can be applied to national challenges.
The opportunities and challenges of new technologies are international, as set out by the Secretary of State at the recent Guildhall Global AI Summit Dinner attended by the NICD Director. Working to ensure that tech delivers ‘for good’ – as well as ‘for growth’ – will require new ideas, and strong partnerships.
NICD supports the University, the region, and all of its partners to ensure that more people and businesses can develop and utilise data science skills to make a positive difference for themselves, and for all of us.