Major partnership agreed to drive forward region’s digital transformation
A memorandum of understanding has been signed by TechWM, the University of Birmingham, PwC and Tech She Can, to work together to combat the West Midlands’ digital skills gap.
The agreement was revealed at Birmingham Tech Week’s Digital Skills Symposium at the Exchange and will see UoB (through Birmingham Digital Futures) become a founding patron of Tech WM and Tech WM become a strategic partner of Birmingham Digital Futures.
The MoU builds on the ongoing work of BDF – an initiative that the UoB co-founded with PwC and Tech She Can in 2021.
Victoria Pargetter-Garner (associate director of business engagement & research impact), leads the BDF Innovation District for the University of Birmingham.
She said: “Formalising our partnership with Tech WM is an enormously positive move that echoes the collaborative ethos at the heart of BDF. We are particularly excited about the new opportunities this alliance will offer as they are undoubtedly the driving force behind our region’s expanding tech community.”
Yesterday, representatives from Birmingham Digital Futures and TechWM and young graduates of digital skills development programmes participated in a ministerial roundtable with Paul Scully MP, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy. The roundtable explored the role of public-private partnership models, highlighting how BDF is catalysing collaboration between academics, industry and government to help shape digital talent and the future of work in the West Midlands.
Martin Ward, the West Midlands Tech Commissioner said: “This MoU is hugely significant for TechWM as it strives to build a world-class ecosystem that will boost our region’s digital capabilities and enable us to reap the associated economic benefits.
“Effective collaboration is a central tenet of this effort and I’m delighted to see TechWM partner with the University and Birmingham Digital Futures to unite towards the common goal of driving digital excellence across the West Midlands.”
Looking ahead, BDF will lead on TechWM’s digital skills working group and Tech WM will continue to play a key role in BDF’s work as a strategic partner, combining their existing credentials in developing innovative skills initiatives to amplify their shared commitment to the region.
Yiannis Maos MBE, Tech WM CEO said “As we embrace the future, it’s imperative that we address the pressing digital skills gap in the West Midlands. This partnership with Birmingham Digital Futures represents a pivotal step towards equipping our region with the talent and expertise needed to thrive. Together, we will empower our workforce, drive innovation, and secure a prosperous future for our businesses and communities.”
As part of the MoU, the University will continue to host Birmingham Tech Week’s Digital Skills Symposium – a one-day event at the largest regional tech festival in the country.
