Digitober 2021

In February, the GMCA launched the Greater Manchester Digital Blueprint. The blueprint sets out the next chapter in our ambition to be recognised as a world-leading digital city region, with an ongoing commitment to taking an open, innovative and connective approach to delivering that ambition. We remain committed to being a digital city-region with a difference. By putting people at the heart of our plans we aim for a more inclusive approach that builds on our greatest asset.

Digitober is a month that will celebrate and showcase the amazing work of Greater Manchester’s digital sector. In particular, the month will:

Reaffirm our ambition that everyone in Greater Manchester, whatever their age, location or situation, can benefit from the opportunities digital brings. Digitober will shine a spotlight on our digital inclusion ambitions, including Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, vision for Greater Manchester to become one of the first city-regions in the world to equip all under-25s, over-75s and disabled people with the skills, connectivity and technology to get online.
Showcase how Greater Manchester is taking its position as an internationally recognised centre of digital innovation, research and practice. During Digitober we will continue to highlight Greater Manchester as UK and European centre for cyber and digital ethics, trust and security
Take a look at our plans to ensure Greater Manchester has the digital infrastructure it needs to be a world class digital city region, including extending network reach by connecting over 1500 public sector sites and assets with full fibre across Greater Manchester
Outline our vision is to create a critical mass of digital talent, positioning Greater Manchester as the key place for businesses seeking a digitally-skilled workforce to invest in outside of London. Digitober will showcase progress in that space

Once again, we'll also be supporting Get Online Week - a digital inclusion campaign organised by Good Things Foundation.