The Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme (DIEP) aims transform communities and stimulate economic growth through digital inclusion and enterprise creation. This strategic programme is a result of the city region’s proposal to the Government’s Digital Challenge in 2006/7, supported by a partnership of local authorities, social enterprises, the digital development agency and private sector partners.
It proposes a coordinated approach to enabling digital communities and stimulating innovation and enterprise, underpinned by the creation of Digital Enterprise Centres. A three tier approach of digital enablement of individuals and communities, the creation of new businesses and the provision of green digital assets will have a significant beneficial impact on the Liverpool City Region.
- Digital Inclusion – Enabling Digital Communities
- Expanding the existing pilot Community Grid zones in St Helens, Liverpool and Wirral to digitally enable 5,000 households in the community whose residents are currently digitally and socially excluded.
- Providing a sustainable and managed computing platform via thin-client devices and scalable internet provision.
- Establishing a ‘homeshoring’ programme with key partners to take employment into the community.
- Digital Enterprise – Enabling Digital Enterprises
- Establishing Digital Enterprise Centres at three locations in the Liverpool City Region.
- Providing incubation and expert support for digital sector knowledge-based businesses.
- Creating community-based social enterprises to deliver the outreach and ‘help desk’ support required.
- Digital Assets – Enabling Greener Infrastructure
- Investing by means of establishing ‘Digital Assets’ in the community to act as catalyst for economic growth.
- Through the innovative use of thin-client architecture, reducing the carbon footprint while increasing digital inclusion.
- Further exploring and championing alternative energy use (e.g. wind turbines) to offset data centre energy requirements.
