State of the Region

IRS Framework Objective 13 - Modern Economic Structure

To provide the physical conditions for a modern economic structure, including infrastructure to support the use of new technologies.

Key Messages

• There has been a significant increase in the percentage of businesses with broadband from 10% in 2002 to 53% in 2006 and has exceeded the target of 20% by 2010.
• Across the region there are only relatively small variations between counties.  Northamptonshire appears to have the highest proportion of broadband connectors at 56%.
• By the end of 2005, 99.9% of the East Midlands had access to broadband up from 94% in 2004 and effectively meets the regional target of full regional coverage by 2006.

Commentary

Although physically moving between home and work, and moving goods between different industrial and commercial sites is a necessary feature of economic activity, developments in communication systems are beginning to influence work and transport patterns.  The development of the internet and broadband has radically altered the way that information can be transferred and has implications for how and where work is undertaken and how businesses relate to one another.  According to OVUM Ltd, over 99.8% of residential delivery points in England, in 2005, could receive broadband connections through digital subscriber lines. In the East Midlands approximately 99.9% of residential delivery points could receive a similar service.

There has been a significant increase in the percentage of businesses with broadband from 10% in 2002 to 53% in 2006 and has exceeded the target of 20% by 2010, as can be seen in figure 13.1. Typically this is to support on online presence that is increasingly used for trading purposes.  Across the region there are only relatively small variations between counties:  Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Rutland are the lowest with 52% and Northamptonshire appears to have the highest proportion of broadband connectors at 56%.

Figure 13.1 - Percentage of Businesses with Broadband: 2002 – 2006

The Regional Economic Strategy for the East Midlands 2006-2020 ‘A Flourishing Region’ identifies the provision and use of ICT infrastructure as critical to improving the productivity of business and the future competitiveness of the region but also states that in order to remain competitive the public and private sectors need to plan for investment in the next generation of technologies so that the newest technological benefits remain available to all.

Indicators: IRS Framework Objective 13 - Modern Economic Structure

Key to the Table

County Indicators

Source: East Midlands Adoption Survey 2006

Note: Includes unitary authorities within the old counties

Further sources of Evidence

• Office of National Statistics Regional Snapshop

Links to relevant sections in the Integrated Regional Strategy (IRS)

• Economy

Links to relevant sections in the East Midlands Integrated Toolkit (EMIT)

• Employment Opportunities

IRS Framework Objectives 14-17 (Spatial)>>