Government confirms launch of innovation centre in cloud computing boost

The UK government has confirmed the development of a new £30 million National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), which will aim to put the country at the "forefront" of the cloud computing industry and help Britain capitalise on a potential £40 billion a year boost the economy.

According to the UK Minister for Digital Matt Hancock, the Newcastle based centre will aim to link leading talent in the cloud computing and data departments of leading universities with talent within the private and public sector to help them develop the skills required to boost industry innovation in the UK.

Commenting on the move, Mr Hancock said: "We’re determined to unlock the huge potential of big data which could add billions of pounds to our economy – from powering price comparison sites to improving the flow of transport around cities."

He added: "Our new National Innovation Centre for Data will help us achieve this aim by making sure the skills and talent in our universities is being transferred into industry and the public sector."

The move forms part of the government's Digital Strategy, which will boost digital stills, infrastructure and innovation across the country in order to support the growing data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors.

According to the announcement, Newcastle was chosen to hold the centre due to its reputation and expertise in working closely with a number of industrial organisations via its well-established Cloud Innovation Centre. The city also hosts the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data Analytics, making it one of the most qualified areas in the country for passing on cloud and data expertise to industry talent.