Big data revolution begins

A new national centre built at Newcastle University will aim to place the UK at the forefront of big data.

The National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) will form part of the Government’s Digital Strategy to boost the country’s digital skills, infrastructure and innovation. Also included in this strategy are measures to support the AI sector with an industry-led review.

Minister for Digital, Matt Hancock, speaking at the Nesta Data Skills for the Future conference last month, said: “We’re determined to unlock the huge potential of big data which could add billions of pounds to our economy - from powering price comparison sites to improving the flow of transport around cities. Our new National Innovation Centre for Data will help us achieve this aim by making sure the skills and talent in our universities are being transferred into industry and the public sector.”

Big data boost

The NICD, costing £30m, will be based in Newcastle and will help the country capitalise on a potential £40bn boost to the economy. Data science provides real benefits to everyday life, for example, powering internet searches, apps as well as predicting and treating health issues. The centre will have a programme of projects where academics and industry can share and develop data skills to solve challenges.

The government will fund 50% of the costs through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) with the other half provided by the University. Professor Nick Wright, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation and Business at Newcastle University, said: “NICD will help to address the data skills gap by taking a practical hands-on approach. We will work with organisations on their domain related problems, transferring the skills into the organisation that will enable them to innovate through data.”