MANCHESTER City Council has revealed a ten point plan to ensure it is one of the world's foremost digital cities by 2020, by promoting economic growth and ensuring residents have the skills to benefit from it.

The ambitious plans will 'cement Manchester's well established reputation in the digital world' and 'expand on the impressive progress made since the most recent Digital Strategy published in 2008'.

Manchester is already a force on the digital world stage with the city council spearheading innovation in the digital and creative sector helping build the UK ’s largest digital economy outside the capital

The initiative aims to provide 100% fast broadband coverage, WiFi in all public spaces, promote growth within the digital sector and provide education to ensure the public can make the most of these opportunities.

According to the council: “Manchester's ten point plan will drive the Council's digital priorities and move the city forward rapidly as an example of best practice on a national and international stage.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is already a force on the digital world stage with the city council spearheading innovation in the digital and creative sector helping build the UK's largest digital economy outside the capital.

“This digital strategy is essential for building on that success and ensuring that Manchester benefits from the potential of improved technologies and make sure that our residents are in the best position possible to take advantage of the jobs created as a result.”

Currently only 74% of the city's residents are broadband connected and the council believes that, by failing to use the technology to its full potential, businesses are ‘inhibiting their chances of growth and future job creation’.

The council added: “A digital city requires the city council to embrace new technologies and maximise data that is openly available online to encouraging residents and businesses to access services and contact the council digitally.

“The next step is to work with partners across the city to produce a delivery plan for the strategy in order to fulfil the ambitious plans of developing a truly digital city and become a world leader by 2020.”

Below is a more detailed summary of the council’s ten point plan, taken from the press release:

Access and connectivity

Connected Citizens – to ensure 100 per cent fast broadband coverage and Wi-Fi in all public spaces.

Connected Businesses – to ensure businesses have access to fast broadband and support with advice or financial assistance to best exploit it.

Connected Manchester – deliver a more co-ordinated partnership between the public and private sector to promote digital Manchester to attract new business.

Engagement

Digital Skills – to ensure digital excellence at all ages through quality digital education at all levels to support people in gaining the skills to get future jobs and promote the benefit of 'going digital'.

Social City – create a digitally embracing City Council by fully utilising digital opportunities; including social media, advanced website and further exploit mobile technologies with content, advertising and apps.

Digital Reform – encourage and enable more people to become digitally savvy and grow to be self-service customers – increasing their digital potential and helping to deliver efficiencies within the council.

Industry

Economic Growth – stimulate the creative and digital sector by encouraging investment and increase skill development from an early age to maximise the potential of our home-grown talent.

Place

Digital Place – the essential link between technology, residents and the city –from advertising and transport information to route finding – the city's physical infrastructure must be inextricably linked to digital technologies.

Leadership

Digital Investment / Resources - to exploit investment opportunities, both public and private to accelerate our digital ambition.

Digital Leadership – to achieve a truly digital city by co-ordinating all city strategies from transport and health to education and public services and develop a joined up digital Manchester.