The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has set out plans for Barnsley to become the UK’s first Tech Town.
Reportedly, over the next 18 months the UK government will work closely with local business leaders, educators, NHS workers and more to build local talent who can access the jobs of the future.
For example, Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology will have access to AI and digital training courses, either to retrain or supplement existing careers.
This includes expanding the Seam Digital Campus to provide businesses with hands‑on support to use new technology, scale up and create local jobs.
The Seam is already home to 33 digital businesses, with plans for it to become an AI Campus based around a new National Centre for Digital Technologies.
Barnsley Hospital will test AI tools that offer quicker check-ins, faster triage and smoother outpatient care – providing a better service and freeing up NHS workers.
Additionally, Cisco, Microsoft, Adobe and Google have pledged a package of initiatives to boost Barnsley’s AI and digital talent.
Local organisations like Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Barnsley CVS are also set to partner the Tech Town initiative.
UK science and technology secretary, Liz Kendall, said: “I am delighted to have been invited by Barnsley, to work with them to achieve their ambition to become the UK’s leading tech town.
“If we are going to get AI to work for Britain, we need Britons and British public services that can work with AI.
“That is why Barnsley’s ambitions are crucial, because if we can show that AI helps young people learn, supports local businesses to be more productive, and improves public services, then we can show what’s possible for the whole country.
“What we learn here will shape how we roll out AI across the UK – making sure every community sees the benefits.
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