Empowering regional tech sectors: Full fibre's role in overcoming challenges in public sector digital transformation

Guest blog by Andrew Bell, Head of Public Sector at ITS Technology Group #LocalDigitalIndex

In today's fast-paced world, where technology is at the forefront of progress, the digital transformation of the public sector isn't just an aspiration but an urgent necessity. This transformation goes beyond government agencies; it presents a significant opportunity for businesses across various sectors to thrive.

In this article, we'll explore how full fibre technology plays a pivotal role in driving this transformation, strengthening regional tech sectors, and fostering an environment of innovation and growth.

Modernising Outdated Infrastructure

UK Government has invested £650bn into uplifting the infrastructure in the UK to meet key milestones. These include the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Levelling-Up schemes, and more, but experts are concerned that innovation in the UK is stifled due to austerity, a lack of creativity and outdated infrastructure.

Embracing a full fibre upgrade offers a considerable infrastructure step-change with future-proof technology that's more reliable and unlocks limitless opportunity. For example, moving away from outdated infrastructure could help schools adopt more advanced digital programmes that foster tech skills needed to broaden employment opportunities.

ITS Technology Group’s joint venture, LCR Connect, is a prime example where modern infrastructure is helping to shape the minds of tomorrow, offering faster connectivity that allows schools to use multimedia devices in classrooms without worrying about latency or drop-offs.

Fostering Inclusivity

Digital transformation in the public sector relies on ensuring that no one is left behind in the process, but expert predictions suggest that over 40% of public sector organisations don't have adequate skills to adapt to significant digital transformation. Full fibre isn't just a convenient addition to public sector connectivity infrastructure; it's a tool that can facilitate the bandwidth-hungry devices that can help to build digital confidence in our communities.

By providing full fibre infrastructure to the public sector, organisations have the bandwidth to innovate and adopt the devices that can automate processes, streamline resource allocation and prioritise budgets.

An example of how improved internet access can foster digital inclusivity is how the NHS is utilising faster connections to drive forward telemedicine initiatives. Telemedicine in the NHS enables healthcare facilities to engage in remote consultations, making healthcare more accessible.

Astrazeneca's iLab initiative highlights the technological opportunities associated with optimised connectivity. The company has employed IoT technology to evaluate its fully automated iLab, which employs a blend of AI, automation, and robotics to explore and advance novel medications. In Sweden, the iLab's objective is to reduce the duration required for groundbreaking drug development by 50% and enhance public health through AI-driven identification of potential drug candidates.

The iLab has showcased how IoT-connected smart devices can collaboratively assist chemists in expediting decision-making, contributing to life-saving efforts and expanding our scientific comprehension of diseases and pharmaceuticals.

With up to 10Gbps of capability available, having the bandwidth needed to innovate and use devices such as robotics and IoT, allows healthcare practitioners to respond to patient needs in real-time. This improves the overall experience and addresses key pain points such as GP wait times and surgery access.

Amplifying Agility and Breaking Data Silos

Data silos and lack of data agility have long been significant issues for local authorities and other public sector organisations. This hinders regional tech ecosystems from growing and developing according to rapidly changing markets. Full fibre technology offers faster data transfers and access to cloud data storage, making data transmission more agile, secure, and future-proof.

This improvement breaks down data silos and ensures that regional tech sectors can easily collaborate with private and public sector organisations at ultrafast speeds while ensuring data is safe from cyber security threats.

Conclusion

Full fibre connectivity is not merely a solution to the challenges faced by the public sector and digital transformation; it's the cornerstone for helping regional tech ecosystems prioritise growth and innovation. Embracing full fibre is not just a strategic connectivity decision; it's a fundamental component of a more digitally empowered future in the UK.

Local Digital Index 2023 front cover.jpg — **Click on the image to download the report.**

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