Vision for plan to transform Ayrshire with major 5G investment unveiled
Ayrshire’s 5G vision has been unveiled at an event in Kilmarnock last week.
Businesses, politicians, academics and a host of industry experts met on Thursday, November 14 to find out how becoming a 5G Innovation Region will transform Ayrshire.
Last year, the county was selected as one of 10 in the UK to become a 5G Innovation Region with £3.8million in funding coming from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
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A range of 5G Innovation Region partners and guests including the DSIT, Scottish Government Digital Connectivity Team and Strategic Technology Partner, Vodafone attended the event at Ayrshire College in Kilmarnock.
The 5G Innovation Region project is a collaboration between partners - East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils, he Scotland 5G Centre, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Ayrshire College.
It is hoped that the project can build on the Ayrshire Growth Deal to “enhance technology and improve connectivity across the region”.
The event helped shine a spotlight on some of the work carried out since the funding was provided.
Attendees were given insights into Ayrshire’s strategic Innovation Hubs approach, which fosters collaboration between industry, academia, and government to drive digital transformation.
The three strategic hubs enable local businesses and students to access cutting-edge 5G technology, encouraging experimentation and practical applications across sectors like manufacturing, aerospace, tourism and education.
Vodafone were recently named a technology partner and they have set up a Mobile Private Network (MPN) at the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) in Irvine which is helping to provide low cost, energy-efficient digital connectivity to help systems and devices connect with each other.
Working with UWS, Vodafone have also provided an MPN to support the businesses at the Aerospace Innovation Hub at Prestwick International Aerospace Park.
The conference heard the work being done to support small and medium-sized enterprises adopt Internet of Things and wireless connectivity to enhance the service they provide.
Tourism is a key sector in Ayrshire and as a 5G Innovation Region, funding will be used to support events and the visitor experience.
Angela Cox, CEO of Ayrshire College, also spoke about the work the college are doing to provide immersive learning - a teaching and learning method that uses technology to create an interactive environment for learners to engage with – to connect their students and upskill them making them ready for the digital explosion across the region.
Councillor Martin Dowey, chair of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership and leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “This was the first major showcase we have hosted since the funding was secured. It was great to see the work being carried out across the region and meet with all those involved in this digital revolution.
“A huge thanks to everyone who attended. We’re excited to build on what we’ve achieved in such a short period of time. Digital innovation is central to Ayrshire’s future, and by working closely with our partners, we’re positioning the region as a leader in digital connectivity.
“We have been working collaboratively with partners for a number of years and digital innovation is very much at the heart of what we do.
“This initiative will bring startups, industry, and academia together with sustainability and Net Zero at its core.”
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