Midlands Engine must invest in digital transformation of infrastructure

City deals and devolution agreements must include investment in the digital transformation of local infrastructure, the Institution of Civil Engineers has said.

ICE said proper use of digital technology and data would help unlock regional productivity and improve resilience.

In its State of the Nation 2017: Digital Transformation, ICE calls on industry and the government to use the new Industrial Strategy to drive the uptake of digital technology and data in infrastructure design and delivery.

It said this could drive up productivity and unleash the full potential of the UK’s economy – a critical aim of the new Midlands Engine.

One of the report’s key recommendations is that city deals and devolution agreements should include infrastructure investment which enables local authorities to use data more effectively, boost local productivity, and manage security and resilience.

The report also calls for both industry and the government to place greater emphasis on upskilling and reskilling mid-career professionals in addition to existing initiatives that target young people. It recommends that major infrastructure projects should be used as incubators for skills and innovation.

Molly McKenzie, Director ICE East Midlands and ICE West Midlands said: “To promote regional economic growth, we must boost productivity through the better use of digital technology, skills and data in local infrastructure, enabling the West Midlands to play its part in maintaining the UK’s place on the world stage.

“We must also recognise the security risks associated with increasing interdependencies and data availability and manage these better at the local level.”

Dr Anne Kemp, chair of the ICE State of the Nation 2017 Steering Group, said: “The Government rightly recognises the link between improved connectivity and balanced national productivity. Our decision-making must put the user at the centre, delivering new infrastructure that enables people to get to work and enjoy their leisure time.

“However, much of our current infrastructure will still be here in 30 years’ time, so we must use technology to do things smarter and make more of what we already have. We must be more imaginative in what we mean by digital transformation and what it can achieve.”