Partners

Many different organisations, from local voluntary groups to some of the world's leading technology companies are seeking to address the problem of digital inclusion. They hope to help people from all walks of life reap the benefits of the current revolution in digital technologies and services. We have a number of key partners with whom we will exploring some of the real world and commercial issues of digital inclusion:

  • IBM Research (T.J. Watson)
    "Technology that adapts to the unique needs of every individual - regardless of age or ability - is crucial to enabling economic self-sufficiency and lifelong independence" says Frances West, Worldwide Director of the IBM Human Ability and Accessibility Center, "IBM is looking forward to collaborating with the Digital Economy Research Hub to address the needs of the aging population, which is such an important and rapidly growing part of the workforce and general population worldwide."
  • Microsoft (Redmond)
    "Information and communication technology can be instrumental in facilitating social inclusion, yet determining exactly how older adults can best apply and use digital products and services requires extensive interdisciplinary and user-driven research" says Gary Moulton, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft. "Within just a couple of years, the Hub will generate innovations that will be transformational for older adults while enabling them to maintain their quality of life. Microsoft, a global leader in inclusion for people of all abilities, is eager to participate and to help with this important work".
  • Philips Research (Eindhoven)
    "Applying sense and simplicity in the home and community domain will connect a yet unaddressed large group of people to the Digital Economy and thus society" says Fred Boekhorst, Senior Vice President at Philips Research. "The Digital Economy Research Hub will allow us to uncover consumer insights and translate these into meaningful innovations that will improve people's lives."
  • Years Ahead
  • Transmit Consulting
  • Generator North East
    "We are delighted that Newcastle University has been successful in its Digital Inclusion bid and look forward to working with them on the project" says Damian Baetens of Transmit Consulting "As creative industry specialists we recognise and value the contribution they make to the cultural and digital economy and Research Hub will help to inspire us all further."
  • Digital City
    "People are the heart of our digital future, and inclusive and supportive digital environments will offer huge benefits to society and the economy" says Dr James TerKeurst of the Institute of Digital Innovation. "DigitalCity and the IDI are focused on building a vibrant digital future, and are looking forward to working with "The Digital Economy Research Hub" to help transform ideas into solutions."

Years Ahead

Years Ahead brings together regional organisations to promote partnership working on issues related to demographic change in the North East, and factors which influence the health and wellbeing of its older population, including social attitudes and perceptions of ageing. With a population of 2.5 million, the North East is the smallest of the nine English regions and this population may even decline slightly over the next 25 years, while the numbers of those aged 65 and over will increase substantially in keeping with the demographic trend across the UK.

Years Ahead website