Event round-up: techUK and GMCA roundtable at Interchange 2024
The session looked at how the digital sector can support communities and advance infrastructure across the Greater Manchester (GM) region.
techUK, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) were delighted to convene a roundtable discussion at Interchange 2024.
With ambitious regional goals around achieving net zero, promoting equality and inclusion, and driving innovation, the roundtable delved into the complexities of these objectives and the challenges ahead.
At the heart of the discussion was the recognition of the GM region's vibrant diversity, both in terms of its population and its policy-making landscape. With approximately 2.8 million inhabitants and 7 million people living within a one-hour commute, the region is home to a thriving digital economy, with over 90,000 working in the tech sector. However, this economic success stands in contrast to persistent inequalities and a recognition of the importance of levelling-‘outward’ to ensure GM’s prosperity is shared amongst people and places throughout the North.
techUK convened members, associates and stakeholders for a roundtable at Interchange 2024
Outcomes-led and community-backed thinking
Throughout the session, participants from the technology sector underscored the urgent need to harness technology to improve the lives of all residents and create fairer, greener communities. Central to this endeavour is ensuring that innovation is outcome-led and community-backed. The roundtable emphasised the importance of building consensus among stakeholders and fostering a culture that embraces experimentation, where failure is viewed as a stepping stone to progress.
A key challenge identified was the digital divide, which leaves many residents excluded from the benefits of technological advancements. Strategies discussed ranged from improving connectivity and providing digital skills training to addressing the underlying causes of exclusion. Digital inclusion is not just a matter of access but also of ensuring that technology serves the diverse needs of all community members.
Furthermore, the roundtable highlighted the crucial role of local authorities and community engagement in facilitating the translation of technology into tangible benefits for residents. This involves not only effective communication and marketing but also co-designing solutions with communities and ensuring that their voices are heard throughout the process.
Education emerged as a vital component of the broader effort to foster inclusive innovation. Participants emphasised the need to integrate digital literacy into school curricula and to engage students in understanding the societal impacts of technology. By empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape, the GM region can lay the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Sam Li, Senior Innovation Lead, Transport for Greater Manchester and Beena Puri, Digital Inclusion Lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Sustainable transport for schools
Colleagues from Transport for Greater Manchester explained the importance of increasing the number of journeys taken for education to sustainable modes. Currently, 1 in 5 trips taken in the region are taken for education, however a reliance on the car is putting pressure on infrastructure and the environment.
Potential solutions suggestions include replicating initiatives such as the Love to Ride app in Scotland provide safety ratings for cycling routes. However, it was recommended that supporting modal shift requires considering not only active travel but also factors like poverty, access to transportation and remote learning.
In conclusion, the roundtable called for greater collaboration, openness to experimentation, and a commitment to translating insights into actionable initiatives. By working together to address the multifaceted challenges facing the GM region, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of technology to build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous community for all.
Ileana Lupsa
Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.
Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.
She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.
Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.
Teodora’s rich background varies from working in business development for a renewable energy lobbying association in Brussels to the fast moving technology innovation startup scene in the UK.
She has designed the market strategy for a German renewable energy engineering scale up for the UK, listed on Nasdaq private market, and now one of the fastest growing scale ups in the world. Previous experience also includes managing a renewable energy startup in London, which has built a small-scale biomass CHP power plant. Teodora is passionate about cross-industry collaboration and working together with academia to inform the design of future educational models and skill building.
Most recently Teodora has ran the commercial activities and business development at Future Cities Catapult, focusing on innovation in cities, digital health and wellbeing, mobility, and infrastructure. Teodora is a passionate STEM Ambassador and a vocal advocate for women in tech.
Georgina is techUK’s Associate Director for Local Public Services
Georgina works with suppliers that are active or looking to break into the market as well as with local public services to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. techUK regularly bring together local public services and supplier community to horizon scan and explore how the technologies of today and tomorrow can help solve some of the most pressing problems our communities face and improve outcomes for our people and places.
Prior to techUK, Georgina worked for a public policy events company where she managed the policy briefing division and was responsible for generating new ideas for events that would add value to the public sector. Georgina worked across a number of portfolios from education, criminal justice, and health but had a particular interest in public sector transformation and technology. Georgina also led on developing relationships across central and local government.
If you’d like to learn more about techUK, or want to get involved, get in touch.
Matt joined techUK in June 2021 and leads techUK’s engagement with Devolved Government, Combined Authorities and Elected Mayors across the UK. He works with techUK’s members on growing and strengthening the digital economy across the UK including devolution, regional growth and developing tech ecosystems.
Matt was a City Councillor for 16 years (2010-2026), a former Parliamentary candidate and West Yorkshire mayoral candidate, he brings a first-hand understanding of how national policy is received and delivered locally.
Matt sits on a number of boards and bodies to help the tech sector including as a Non-Executive Director for the Tech for Good Alliance and a member of Manchester Digital Strategy Advisory Board.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
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