Scheme aims to promote digital leaders in region

The Digital Leaders Programme is already running in a number of regions around the country, and is a cross-sector network of more than 27,000 individuals supported by an extensive programme of physical and online events.

It aims to develop a strategic vision for digital transformation, and its programme is specifically designed to allow senior decision-makers across all sectors to look at the implications of digital technologies in the context of future policy-making and innovative service delivery.

The emerging topics covered by the programme are identified by a high level advisory board of leading digital figures from public, NGO and independent bodies.

And its steering group includes representatives from central and local government and private sector sponsors, and it draws upon its discussions and webinars in consultation with its wider network.

In order to maintain its programme of free to attend events, seminars and webinars it relies on the support of private sector partners, who are carefully selected to ensure that the agenda remains independent and non-aligned to any particular business models, commercial perspectives, or specific set of technologies.

Its regional sponsor for Yorkshire is aql, and Dr Adam Beaumont, CEO and founder of aql, said: “We are very excited to launch the Digital Leaders Programme in Yorkshire and encourage local talent and digital initiatives emerging across numerous sectors.

“The Leeds City Region has enormous potential centred around digital technology, innovation, smart cities, and we are happy to champion the region’s capability.

“We are looking forward to bringing together people, resources and digital expertise to ensure Leeds is a major presence on the Internet Map.”

Digital Leaders says meeting the demands and expectations of on-going digital transformation is now a core function of efficient and effective government, industry and civil society in the UK.

“We recognise the importance of developing an overarching cross-sector strategic vision for digital transformation, drawing upon the rich spectrum of expertise, experiences and perspectives across the public, private and third sectors.”

Robin Knowles, Founder and CEO at Digital Leaders, said he is delighted that Digital Leaders Yorkshire is the seventh regional programme to be launched.

“Working with our partners aql I look forward to hearing more about what the Digital Leaders in Yorkshire are discussing.

“The Digital Leaders programme will continue to build its reputation for offering great networking, being content rich, and of course importantly, being free to attend.”

The programme consists of a series of open, free webinars and networking events to engage and foster collaboration among decision makers and key digital players.

The inauguration event will take place today at the aql Auditorium in Leeds and will bring together 100 local representatives from private sector companies, not-for-profit organisations, universities and the public sector.

The event’s main focus is Northern digital resilience and the region’s strength in cyber-security and digital infrastructure.

Digital resilience is increasingly a key discussion point in the transformation of Government and business.