With a digital sector consisting of more than 2,500 enterprises in the region, a pandemic-led surge in technology to support the education sector presents an opportunity the North East ecosystem is perfectly poised to take advantage of.
“Edtech, as an emerging digital cluster, is an exciting opportunity for the North East,” says Graeme Miller, Head of Innovation at Innovation SuperNetwork, which is driving digital cluster growth in the region. “In the last 18 months, we’ve seen a doubling in the number of regional edtech businesses actively engaging in creating opportunities for collaboration, seeking support to tap into investment, and working to raise the profile of the sector.”
With a reported 72% growth in 2020, the UK’s edtech industry was among the fastest growing in Europe during and in the wake of covid-19, and according to the European Edtech Funding Mid-Year Report 2022, the UK maintained its spot as the top edtech investment destination in Europe.
So, what makes the North East so well placed to capitalise on the economic opportunity presented by the sector’s growth? Most obviously, with five regional universities, several tech-forward colleges, multiple academy trusts and council education departments, the regional customer base is substantial. But more than that, an actively supported ecosystem providing access not just to the market, but to research, technical expertise, and importantly finance, is critical to the sector's success.
With the National Innovation Centre for Data found on the Newcastle Helix, data and AI is just one area where regional businesses can spearhead innovation and have real impact. Gateshead-born Dan Fitzpatrick, author of The AI Classroom and Founder of The AI Educator, spoke to the cluster recently highlighting the scope of the opportunity for digital businesses in the region.
“AI cannot be ignored,” he said. “It will affect all walks of life and the current education system will have to change to be able to provide chances for students to learn what is necessary in, and for, the future.
"It’s crucial for the region to bring the ecosystem together for the EdTech sector to flourish in the coming years”.
With funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, Innovation SuperNetwork is using its position as an anchor point for the region’s innovation ecosystem to ensure that edtech businesses can start, scale and accelerate innovation.
Innovation SuperNetwork’s Graeme Miller added: “The region’s ability to provide this joined-up approach to business support is what sets us apart from many other places and is critical to ensuring the North East can establish itself as not just a hotbed for edtech, but the digital sector as a whole.”
Digital Cluster North of Tyne is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority as part of a programme of digital support aimed at growing the region’s digital sector including the creation of 1300 new digital start-ups and 10,000 new jobs.
To learn more about how the Innovation SuperNetwork can help your digital business innovate and grow, visit: www.supernetwork.org.uk/digital
