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ECONOMIC GROWTH

Sunderland leads UK Smart City revolution and tech growth

Embedding connectivity infrastructure into the very fabric of urban life can ignite the conditions for rapid and transformative economic growth. For smart city growth to succeed, writes Patrick Melia, creating the right conditions for decentralisation is key.

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The world is entering a new era of digital growth and innovation. AI has already transformed the future of many workplaces, bringing immense gains in productivity. For the UK to succeed, it needs to not only embrace the transforming technological landscape, but also to lead it.

A crucial component of this work will be shifting our focus from the well-trodden paths of London and the Greater South East to the under-utilised potential of regional cities. If we are serious about growth, we have to acknowledge that the future of economic prosperity in the UK lies in unleashing the power of our places through innovation and investment.

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