Selected as part of a UK-wide funding competition as one of 10 innovation regions, and one of only two in Scotland, this £3.8m project aims to put Ayrshire on the map as a true digital innovator.
Funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the Ayrshire 5G Innovation Region project is being delivered by the three Ayrshire councils: North, South and East, and is supported by partners across education, technology, process manufacturing, aerospace, mobile and tourism industries.
The Ayrshire 5G vision is to become the UK’s premier manufacturing-focused 5G hub, driven by five transformative principles:
- technological excellence
- a thriving innovation ecosystem
- sustainable economic growth
- skills and talent development
- influential investment strategies
By establishing ‘Regional Strategic Wireless Innovation Hubs’, anchored to key Ayrshire Growth Deal sites, the region is creating a dynamic ecosystem that integrates 5G, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and edge computing into advanced manufacturing and critical sectors.
These hubs are central to accelerating the adoption of digital and wireless technologies, transforming traditional production facilities into state-of-the-art Digital Wireless Factories.
This initiative promises a collaborative ecosystem, uniting start-ups, industry, and academia, with sustainability and Net Zero at its core.
Developing a workforce ready for the digital era is vital. The region’s investment strategy will reinforce Ayrshire’s role as a manufacturing innovation hub and a significant 5G technology influencer.
The strategic partnerships include:
- The Scotland 5G Centre
- National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
- University of the West of Scotland
- Ayrshire College
- North Ayrshire Council
- East Ayrshire Council
- South Ayrshire Council
Ayrshire’s dedication to shaping the future of 5G will not only elevate the regional standing but also establish new benchmarks in the global manufacturing landscape.