Bristol is to build on its growing international reputation for e-communications and digital technologies and media by bidding to become the UK's top digital city. A partnership of business, community and city council leaders believes the city can win the government's £7 million 'Digital Challenge', announced yesterday by Minister for Local E-Government Jim Fitzpatrick. Bristol is already one of the top European locations for wi-fi network provision, digital technology research and development, creative industries and online service delivery, public consultation and democratic engagement. The city was recently awarded Science City status by the government and has been named European City of eDemocracy. The city is a finalist for the e-Government National Awards 2005. Recent educational developments have also blazed a trail in the introduction of digital resources for learning - with Bristol's City Learning Centres at the forefront of national developments. The announcement of the 'Challenge' coincides with one of the city's cutting edge digital events: Electric December (www.electricdecember.org) - an online digital advent calendar which brings community and education groups together with professional media companies to reveal a world of creativity on the internet. This year's Electric December is a direct response to the Government's anticipated announcement about the Digital Challenge and invites people to suggest novel ways of Connecting Bristol. City leaders hope to use the 'Challenge' to promote these projects and Bristol's many other success stories - and, most importantly, to find ways of using new and existing technologies and connections to improve services and opportunities for local communities, particularly the most disadvantaged. Council Deputy Leader Cllr Simon Cook said: "Bristol has a worldwide reputation as a centre for the development and use of these kind of technologies. Our hi-tech industries, universities and creative and cultural organisations are leading the way and the city council itself is heading up several national projects to promote online consultation, democratic engagement and trading. "We now need to go further and ensure that the technologies are harnessed so that all communities benefit. Used in the right way, digital technology can help improve access to learning and skills; provide jobs and even help reduce crime and traffic congestion. We already have a Momentum Group of interested organisations and individuals in place and they are keen to engage with local residents and businesses so that our bid properly reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of Bristol." Businesses and organisations specialising in the use and development of digital technologies have been quick to support the city's intention to bid. Dick Penny, Director of The Watershed, the city's trailblazing digital arts and media centre, said:" Bristol is a hot bed of creativity. Difference and diversity are cornerstones of its culture. Digital technologies will be the catalytic highway connecting Bristol, fusing the energy of the leading edge international media and technology industries with the diversity and potential of our communites to create a new vision for a 21st century city." Lesley Davies, Head of Production at Endemol West said: "Endemol West is in total support of Bristol 's bid for the Digital Challenge. Bristol is renowned for its media infrastructure and the creative talent that continually push the boundaries of how technology and information can be used. This reputation is part of the reason why Endemol West chose the City of Bristol as the location for a major capital investment and an important base for our business" John Manley, of HP Labs, said: "In the digital media industry the only way to stay competitive is to use the emerging technologies before others adopt them. It is the pioneers, early adopters and risk-takers that succeed. Bristol has a very strong track record in the area and is in a good position to become a leader on the world stage." And Bill Bowrey, Chairman and External Affairs Executive, West of England Aerospace Forum, added: "The aerospace and defence industry in Bristol has always been synonymous with utilisation of new technology and has on many occasions' led the world in producing innovative products. The presence of two of the world's leading aerospace and defence companies - Airbus and Rolls Royce - in the Bristol area, has created an environment that supports a thriving community of supply chain companies and over 10,000 high value, highly skilled jobs." The city will now need to work up initial proposals and submit them to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) by April 28th 2006. The proposal will be judged initially through a South West regional panel and a regional winner will be announced in June 2006 and given a cash award of £120,000 from ODPM. This will encourage further investment from industry of around £80,000 in goods and services. A fuller proposal for the national 'Challenge' will need to be submitted by December 2006 and the national winner will be announced in January 2007. The overall winner will receive a minimum of £3m from government, including £1m from Department of Health, £1m from Department for Education and Skills and £750,000 and £250,000 from ODPM and Department of Trade and Industry respectively. Industry have committed to matching this with at least £4m in cash or discounted goods and services. Anyone wanting to register their interest in getting involved in the development of the city's bid should e-mail: stephen_hilton@bristol-city.gov.uk ends For further media information contact Simon Caplan at Bristol City Council Corporate Communiucations - 0117 922 2650 For details of the Digital Challenge from the ODPM visit www.odpm.gov.uk or call their press office on 020 7944 3042
