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Utilising Data for Economic Growth

Informing the government’s approach to data-led policy to help boost economic growth.

Data expertise

Newcastle is home to the UK’s first – and only – National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). A £30m facility, the National Innovation Centre for Data is jointly funded by the government and Newcastle University. The Centre is overseen by Director Professor Paul Watson, who is also Professor of Computer Science at the University. Prof Watson previously directed the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Social Inclusion for the Digital Economy Hub.

The National Innovation Centre for Data delivers technical and practical data skills into a variety of organisations across the public and private sectors. Work here is helping to unlock data to boost economic growth. This benefits companies and the government's Levelling Up agenda. Using its expertise and knowledge, the Centre aids them in extracting value from their own data. It encourages development of in-house expertise and skills for organisations in different sectors. These include:

  • commercial
  • public
  • not-for-profit
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The National Innovation Centre for Data also supports government ambitions to upskill the country’s workforce. Post-pandemic, this will drive economic growth in the areas of the UK that need it most.

Unlocking regional data

The National Innovation Centre for Data’s main engagement pathway is through collaborative data skills projects. Its data scientists focus on proprietary business problems and upskilling employees in situ. Such projects enable organisations to derive value from their own data. Creating immediate ROI promotes economic growth and distributes benefits across society.

The Centre has a strong track record of upskilling businesses and unlocking data in the North East. Successes include:

  • a £1.6m award to enable 200 companies to realise the value in their data
  • managing over £35bn of NHS spending, with data they can derive value from
  • specialising in technology systems for decarbonisation and second life EV batteries data

Unlocking national potential

Their ambition is to replicate its success across other left-behind regions. This enables more organisations to use data to improve productivity, profits and growth. This will ‘level up’ economic benefits across the UK.

Ongoing programmes of active engagement include:

  • contributing to the government's National Data Strategy
  • making a case for government to develop a network of satellite Innovation Centres for Data
  • delivering seminars with government officials on better data use in policymaking

Delivering for skills needs Go to this link

At Newcastle University, we work with partners to develop new skilled workforces, addressing the skills challenge that exists in the UK.

Global conservation and sustainability Go to this link

Through policy and research, Newcastle University makes a leading contribution to sustainability and conservation initiatives.

Energy solutions for the future

Energy solutions for the future Go to this link

Our role in the energy space is helping governments and the industry lead the way in achieving net zero targets.