Digital hubs to transform how we live in Digital Britain

Three research “hubs” to develop digital technologies and ensure that everyone is part of the digital future are unveiled by Research Councils UK.

The new centres based out of Nottingham, Newcastle and Aberdeen universities will develop technologies of the future that can transform the lives of the elderly, disabled and people in rural communities.

This multi-million pounds initiative aims at connecting people with technology and creating an all-inclusive “Digital Britain”. It is part of the research councils’ wider plan to provide universal connectivity to broadband in the UK and to develop a digital economy.

The centres will develop new ways to utilise technologies in order to help business and stimulate economic growth.

Each centre will focus on a specific digital issue. The research includes a small wireless body systems monitoring kit to revolutionise the NHS emergency response systems and “ambient kitchens” equipped with sensors to help dementia sufferers live independently.

It also includes “walking sat-nav” devices to help old pedestrians navigate easily, early warning flood systems to help rural businesses, social networking systems, and integrated transport information for better travel planning.

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said: "The hubs will develop new technologies utilising wireless networks and GPS, which will deliver hi-tech digital solutions across many sectors. They will create jobs, improve public services such as health and transport, reduce waste and bring digital revolution into people’s lives for the first time.”

The Aberdeen hub will focus on rural issues such as access to broadband, health and public transport, and natural resource, to transform rural areas. Scientists will be working in remote parts of the UK but solutions developed there would be rolled out to rural areas throughout UK. By including rural areas in our digital future it is estimated we could help to release more than £350bn into the UK economy.

The Nottingham hub will develop business opportunities and transport. It will promote creative industries such as internet and mobile phone gaming as well as online smart marketing tools for retailers and helping re duce carbon footprint.

And the Newcastle hub will focus on social inclusion. It will work with older people to design simple, intuitive interfaces tailored to their needs such as the ambient kitchens.