Glasgow commits to digital future with New York partnership
Published by Simon Gwynn on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:10
Glasgow has made another commitment to its digital future by agreeing to work in partnership with an influential technology think-tank based in New York.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Glasgow City Council signed the "memorandum of understanding" with US body the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), which studies the economic and social development of the 21st Century community.
The relationship between Glasgow and the ICF can be traced back to 2004 when Glasgow was announced as the winner of the global Intelligent Community of the Year Award in New York, following a joint submission by the council and Scottish Enterprise.
Over the last few years the ICF has been building relationships with a growing network of previous winners of the award as well as those shortlisted as Top Seven and Top 21 communities. Signed during Social Media Week Glasgow, the memorandum adds Glasgow to a growing network of alumni committed to help ICF:
- Identify and explain the emergence of the broadband economy and its impact at the local level.
- Research and share best practice by communities in adapting to the changing economic environment and positioning their citizens and businesses to prosper.
- Celebrate the achievements of communities that have claimed a place in the economy of the 21st century
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Stuart Patrick said: "This signing confirms our ongoing commitment to the development of Glasgow's digital infrastructure following our strong track record. We are keen to continue to share experiences with some of the cities in the world which best utilise digital technology.
"The recent Glasgow Economic Commission identified the development and use of high speed broadband as a key issue for Glasgow and this event gave us the opportunity to discuss this with the added international perspective of ICF.
"As always, technology is ever-changing and rapidly progressing so it's vital we give the sector sufficient attention and investment to ensure we can best use broadband technologies to support the development of the city and its communities going forward.
"This Memorandum of Understanding will help us to do just that as will our own Think Digital conference in November, which aims to show firms how digital media and technology can help build their businesses."
ICF seeks to share the secrets of success of the world's intelligent communities in adapting to the demands of the broadband economy, in order to help communities renew and grow. It conducts research, delivers a major conference each year in New York, publishes information and presents annual awards.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "We have always tried to be innovative in the city and will continue to work to stay ahead. The recent report from the Glasgow Economic Commission made a number of recommendations to improve delivery of high speed broadband in the city and to build demand for services and we will act upon them.
"Virtually all of Glasgow has access to basic broadband of up 2MB but we need to increase access to superfast broadband across the whole city.
"We will work with partners to ensure that everyone in the city is included in the ongoing digital revolution and this new partnership gives us a chance to tap into a network of friends and colleagues who can help ensure we stay ahead of the pack."
ends (22/9/11)
Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
Contact Brian Welsh on 0141 333 9585 or 07976 456 765
