1. Manchester City Region: Manchester Digital Development Agency: MDDA set up in 2004 to coordinate Digital Agenda for the city region Dave Carter, Head, MDDA, Manchester City Council. UK.

7. Digitisation ROAD - 50AD CANAL - 1734 RAIL - 1830 FIBRE - 1970s- Next Generation Access 2010- SHIP CANAL - 1894 AIR - 1938 Global Market Connectivity

12. Infrastructure for Mobility The £1.5bn GM Transport Fund is funding large scale extensions to the Metrolink tram network Manchester Airport City Enterprise Zone: New hub for global businesses linking a string of key sites. Up to 10,000 new jobs over the next 10 years of which at least 7,000 would be new to city region. Business property taxes (circa £10m+) available for reinvestment.

14. What is a Fab Lab? "A Fab Lab (fabrication laboratory) is a fully kitted fabrication workshop which gives everyone in the community from small children through to entrepreneurs and businesses, the capability to turn their ideas and concepts into reality." Manchester has been chosen as the first city in the UK to host a Fab Lab, a community inventors' workshop where new products can be built by both businesses and individuals. It was born out of Massachusetts Institute of Technology see about us for more info. www.fablabmanchester.org

15. Thank You! [email_address]

16. Growing sector Mostly SMEs Skills shortage Despite 50,000 graduates a year Students unaware of opportunities Learn-and-work schemes complex Limited public funds

17. Conference 80 delegates from education and business Talent Day 800+ students meet 40+ businesses

18. Collaboration 4 universities • Colleges • Digital businesses Course list Placement brokerage Aggregation Universities and departments Multiple small businesses