Region wins 5G Innovation competition funding to accelerate its adoption

The West Midlands Combined Authority has won £4m to accelerate the adoption of 5G technology across manufacturing and smart communities.

Won through a joint bid between WM5G (West Midlands 5G), JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) and the WMCA, the funding comes from the Government’s £40m 5G Innovation Regions competition.

Advanced manufacturing and smart communities (which include social care and housing) are two key clusters identified in the West Midlands Plan for Growth, launched last year with the aim of boosting the regional economy.

Now, the partnership is looking to scale proven 5G use cases through the UK’s first adoption hubs in operational manufacturing and social housing facilities and then support many other organisations to benefit through adoption programmes.

Pushing the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies including 5G and data/AI in these clusters has the potential to create skilled jobs, boost productivity, transform wellness, and help reduce social inequalities says the WMCA. However, digital adoption in the region still remains low, primarily due to a skills gap.

Minister of data and digital infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said: “We’re channelling millions into local areas to unlock the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies which will reshape our public services, drive economic growth and boost innovation. This new fund will give local areas from across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of Britain’s world-leading 5G revolution.

“For instance, by using 5G for farming and creating science parks, we’re not just helping local communities, but also encouraging new ideas all over the UK. This is more than just linking smartphones. It’s about using powerful digital connections to transform various sectors in the economy and the public sector throughout the entire country.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “5G has the power to transform public services and grow our economy – making our workplaces more productive and creating high quality new jobs.

“Accelerating digital adoption is at the heart of our regional strategy to drive prosperity as we continue to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic. We’ve already made a strong start – investing in digital skills bootcamps, launching the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, and achieving the best 5G coverage of any Combined Authority region.

“But there’s still more we can do to quicken the pace of adoption. That’s why winning £4m in funding and becoming a leading 5G Innovation Region is so important for the West Midlands. Close collaboration with industry leaders and our local authorities will enable us to best serve communities, businesses and public services – opening up new opportunities for local people right across our region in the months and years ahead.”

Steve Prendergast, digital operations director at JLR said: “5G availability in our manufacturing facilities in the Midlands is essential to JLR’s digital transformation as we enhance the performance of our industrial footprint.

“As we gear up to the production of our next generation electric vehicles and their new platforms, the adoption of advanced wireless technologies will improve the scalability, flexibility and resilience of our manufacturing sites.