The first 'digital city' in Europe?

A Strategy for the Development of the Creative Digital Content Sector in Derry~Londonderry, was submitted to Derry City Council in December.

A broadly based Steering Group consisting of Derry City Council, Ilex, the Chamber of Commerce, Seagate, the University of Ulster, the North West Regional College, NORIBIC, the Nerve Centre and the Northern Ireland Digital Circle had asked Colin Stutt Consulting, Kieran Fegan and Mark Nagurski to prepare the report as a step towards a creative digital content strategy for the city.

The result of the report is the Digital Derry Strategy “intended to complement regional and national initiatives, such as the Northern Ireland Digital Content Strategy and Digital Britain, and to ensure that Derry and the North West develop their existing strengths in the creative digital content sector and build new strengths.”

Amongst the suggestions is for Londonderry to be marketed internationally with a distinct “elevator pitch.”

“As the first proclaimed 'digital city' in Europe, Digital Derry has a lot to offer: an industry focused university with world-class research facilities, over 1500 students studying courses in related fields, a direct high-speed trans-Atlantic data link, ample business support, a burgeoning digital content community and a host of planned infrastructure projects catering to the digital content sector,” the report suggests.

“It's no wonder that companies like Seagate, Northbrook Technologies and Fujitsu have already chosen to invest in the city. From industry to local government, Digital Derry is committed to the growth of the digital economy and attracting likeminded businesses, investors and entrepreneurs to the region,” it adds.

An accompanying local pitch proclaims: “Derry has always been well-known for its creative talent and ability to punch above its weight. More than ever, that talent is taking new, digital, form in everything from film and television production to games development and elearning - and it's already delivering on a national and international stage.

“Derry's digital economy already brings over 30M into the local economy, has created hundreds of jobs and is home to some of our most innovative entrepreneurs.

“Mix in our university and colleges, with over 1000 students studying related courses and the benefits that Project Kelvin brings to the table and it's not hard to see why Derry is fast turning into Europe's first 'digital city' - Digital Derry.’”

Face-to-face discussions with senior management in a range of the established digital and creative businesses in Londonderry carried out by the consultancy group found a clear rallying cry: “Declare a victory! - declare Derry to be First Digital City in NI – based on the existing flagship projects and Project Kelvin and underpin that declaration with supporting activity and plan to build upon the victory.”

A range of concrete proposals are outlined in the full report, which is available on the Derry City Council website: www.derrycity.gov.uk.