Technology, Innovation and Information

Information and communication technologies have accelerated the growth in global activities and increased rates of innovation. Technology infrastructure improves opportunities for business networking and collaboration and access to markets. 

ICT Revolution

The ICT revolution has dramatically improved the flow and speed of knowledge and information. Due to RDA encouragement for BT to enable of all SWE's telephone exchanges for ADSL broadband, the region has, at least theoretically, 100% broadband coverage.

• Pendulum swings towards new era of localisation

Communications and Connectivity

Connectivity refers to the transport of packets, either goods or knowledge, between two destinations, but in recent times has come to be synonymous with digital connectivity. The concept communication is not only about transmitting information it relates to a way of co-ordinating behaviour's - in business this occurs at both the firm and individual and firm level.

• National Express in Spanish deal
• One world

Access to Markets

Technology has reduce the size of the globe as in an instant information can be moved from one continent to the next. This has enabled home based workers to engage in international activity - which was once the domain of just the largest corporations. The ICT revolution has created opportunities for small-scale producers to compete on the international market. It does however pose a threat as the globe has greater access of South West markets.

• Starbucks and Ethiopia get together over coffee
• China: Opportunity or Threat? (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 652.13kb)

Science and Innovation

Science and Innovation drives economic, and productivity growth of an economy. Science is the pursuit of systematic knowledge which benefits the economy or society in some way. Similarly innovation is designed to introduce new products or processes.

• The Knowledge Economy
• The globalisation of markets – How can SME’s compete