Connecting BATH
Client: Bath Spa University, Creative Clusters programme
Digital Connectivity
Creative Technologies
Visioning
Digital Strategy Research
Placemaking
Private Networks
5G, 6G, Wireless Networks
Gigabit Fibre
Smart City
Digital Inclusion
June 2021 to Sept 2021
As part of the Bristol+Bath Creative R+D programme, Bath Spa University commissioned strategic research to explore the potential of private, cutting edge digital networks for the region’s creative technology businesses.
we undertook a national survey and stakeholder interviews and identified relevant case studies, which Bath and other similar cities might learn from.
The research highlights that cutting edge, private digital networks are seen as essential to the city’s future connectivity-mix. However, so is improving Bath’s current, ‘everyday connectivity’, which is seen as falling short of where it should be. The roll-out of “Gigabit Fibre” is welcomed as being timely and important to enabling digital inclusion.
The report identifies five models for enhancing the city’s connectivity: a Market-led Approach; a Smart City Approach: a Venue-led Approach; an R&D Testbed and a Digital Neighbourhood approach. In conclusion, the report suggests that the real power is in adopting not one approach but all of them with the aim of building a strong, interconnected creative digital eco system.
The report finishes with some suggested tangible next steps for putting the Vision for Connecting Bath into practice.
The current/planned roll-out of 5G connectivity and the future development of 6G are potentially significant opportunities for the creative industries in Bath.
Professor Kate Pullinger, Director of the Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries, Bath Spa University
The Challenge
What we did
The Outcome
What benefits can cutting edge digital connectivity deliver to cities like Bath and where do private digital networks fit into the city’s overall connectivity mix?
1-1 interviews with 20 senior leaders from Industry, Academia and Government
An online inter/national survey
Desk-top review to identify relevant case studies
Engagement with key bodies, the KTN and Creative Industries 5G Working Group
Strategic analysis and development of 5 approaches to enhancing digital connectivity in Bath
Identification of tangible actions towards implementation
Production of high quality designed and illustrated report
Launch event, as part of the Bath Digital Festival
The research identifies the challenge and the opportunity of enhancing digital connectivity in Bath. It provides a focal point for bringing together strategic stakeholders from Industry, Academia and Local Government with the aim of developing and implementing local digital strategy.