Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the largest and most dynamic sectors in the South West. Concentrated in the north and east of the region, it employs 66,000 people. Outside of America, the Bristol area has more silicon chip designers than anywhere else in the world. The South West plays host to Panasonic, Intel, Toshiba and Motorola, as well as many innovative start up companies.
The sector is expected to grow, driven by developments in new technology. The advent of network technologies such as broadband internet, digital interactive tv and communications are creating new markets for ICT.
Key sector strengths include:
- Wireless communications
- Photonics
- Semiconductors
- Software
- Supercomputing and grid environments
Over 60% of those employed in the sector are aged between 25-45.
Research * indicates that drivers for development include:
- Emergence of new business models – a shift towards services offered and maintained over networks
- Ever shortening design and production cycles – needing ultra rapid development techniques and intensive innovation
- Legislative changes resulting in the establishment of a single regulatory body
* The State of the Key Sectors Research, Arthur D Little, SW Regional Development Agency 2004
Connecting SW Net provides information about ICT developments in the South West. Wired West represents the ICT community.
For more information about ICT and to search our Employer Directory please visit our new Graduate Toolkit.
ICT news
- ICT - where do we go from here?
- Investment to strengthen ICT in Cornwall
- South West ICT companies gain recognition
- South West silicon boom
Graduate profiles
Useful links
- Watch introduction to silicon and wireless in the South West (video)
- Intellect
- e-skills
- British Computer Society
- National Microeletronics Institute
- Mobile Operators Association
- Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Innovation page
- Remote Area Broadband Inclusion Trial
- ConnectingSW.net
- Digital Peninsula Network
- ICT-Scout
