New collaboration aims to boost AI and digital skills in West Midlands
Coventry University has announced a tie-up with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre in Cheshire, in which the pair aim to develop a digital and AI skills network for the West Midlands.
Hartree is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council - one of Europe’s largest multi-disciplinary scientific research organisations and is home to some of the most advanced digital technologies and experts in the UK.
Digital products and services make a significant contribution to the UK economy but the UK is still underperforming on their adoption and use compared to some other countries.
The new network could help businesses explore the incredible opportunities offered by tech such as AI and supercomputing.
"Coventry University is excited to be exploring opportunities to work with the Hartree Centre on this timely project which aims to deliver Digital and AI Skills to create better futures for the West Midlands and wider UK workforce," said Professor Paul Noon, deputy vice-chancellor (Enterprise & Innovation) at Coventry University.
"This activity is intended to bring together the expertise of our colleges and research centres and our track record of skills delivery as exemplified by the Institute of Coding and the Electric Revolution Skills Hub.”
Meanwhile, Professor Kate Royse, Director of the STFC Hartree Centre said: “It’s great to be starting this journey with Coventry University to look into creating a knowledge sharing network dedicated to upskilling UK industry and the public sector, starting with the West Midlands.
"As the UK’s only supercomputing centre dedicated to supporting industry, I believe strongly in our ability to collaborate with Coventry University to provide high quality training, add real value to UK organisations and help to address a national digital skills gap.
While the Hartree Centre has a UK wide mandate, the Coventry university tie-up could initially bring a regional focus within the West Midlands, with opportunities to expand into other regions as the network develops.
