Barnsley has been named as Britain’s first Tech Town, benefitting from Government support to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities.
It means locals in the South Yorkshire town could see improved public services, better support in local schools, faster NHS care and new job opportunities.
Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall set out the plans today and said Barnsley would act as a “national blueprint” for how technology could make life “easier, fairer and more prosperous in Barnsley”.
“I am delighted to have been invited by Barnsley, to work with them to achieve their ambition to become the UK’s leading tech town,” she said.
“If we are going to get AI to work for Britain, we need Britons and British public services that can work with AI.
“That is why Barnsley’s ambitions are crucial, because if we can show that AI helps young people learn, supports local businesses to be more productive, and improves public services, then we can show what’s possible for the whole country.
“What we learn here will shape how we roll out AI across the UK – making sure every community sees the benefits.
“Firms backing the plans include Microsoft, Cisco and Adobe, which have pledged to support local people’s access to jobs of the future.
GETTY
The focus would be on using technology to support staff and improve services, including freeing up health service and education workers from paperwork. Under the plans, Barnsley Hospital will work with government and technology partners to trial AI systems designed to speed up patient check-ins, improve triage and reduce waiting times for outpatient care.
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council said there would be free AI and digital training made available to workers, through Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, and support for local businesses to adopt new technology and create jobs.
“One of the key missions in our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy is for Barnsley to become the UK’s leading digital town, said Labour leader of Barnsley Council, Sir Stephen Houghton.
“Welcoming the secretary of state to Barnsley to announce that we are the UK’s first Tech Town underlines our ambition and commitment to innovation which will benefit our residents, businesses and partners.
“This is one of the most important investments in Barnsley in our history and will help secure our long-term economic future.”
Sir Stephen Houghton also said the town and its 250,000 residents have been chosen because they have already adopted AI faster than many places.
AI assistants have been used by the authority in adult social care and children’s services, and tech has been enabled for its bin lorries to scan roads for potholes. The parcel company Evri, which has one of its largest distribution hubs in the town, has also been trialling robot dogs for deliveries.
In the past, Barnsley led on coal mining and glass making. By embracing AI technology, it is hoped the town can thrive in a new modern industry.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said a “bigger, better economy” is being built in South Yorkshire, creating jobs and opportunities in the industries that will “define the next generation and beyond”.
“That’s why the government have recognised Barnsley as the UK’s first Tech Town,” he said.
“Because we have already built a thriving digital ecosystem, from the Seam Digital Campus and the growing cluster of digital and creative businesses, to the cutting edge training at Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.
“Barnsley has all the foundations of a modern, thriving tech economy.”
Over the next 18 months, ministers work in Barnsley with local business leaders, educators, health workers and other professionals to build local talent who can access the jobs of the future, as well as making local services fit for the AI era.
Barnsley residents will be invited to a series of “Tech Town Halls” where they will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the programme and contribute to decisions on how AI should be utilised within the community.
The announcement comes a week after the Government revealed plans to offer free courses to every adult in the UK, aimed at teaching people how to effectively utilise AI tools in their workplaces. This was followed by the naming of Lanarkshire in Scotland as the latest AI growth zone.