Kari Lawler

WM5G is an innovation and digital adoption company, born from a 3-year DCMS (The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) funded programme to accelerate the roll out of 5G. In March 2022, this project came to an end and research shows that it has driven significant economic and social benefits for the region, with the West Midlands now having the best 5G coverage in the UK and boosted its local economy by more than £100m. We are now using the case studies and learnings from the DCMS testbed trials to deliver better connectivity and tech solutions to the Healthcare sector and to speed up the roll out of, new 5G products and services connectivity solutions, AI and Internet of Things to help businesses become future fit for the whole of the UK.

These are exciting times. Growth is strong and optimism is high. Our region is at the forefront of change and we are the place to be in the UK. West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has been created to deliver an ambitious plan to drive inclusive economic growth in the West Midlands region and build a healthier, happier, better connected and more prosperous population. Made up of 18 local authorities and three Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and chaired by the Mayor of the West Midlands, WMCA is working together to move powers from Whitehall to the West Midlands and its locally elected politicians, who know this region best. This is a place determined to make its mark, and it is succeeding. The West Midlands’ magnificent past drives the region’s future. Its cities are built on industry and are now perfectly positioned to re-invent the industrial revolution for the future. This is a place built on social connection, collaboration and progress. Key priorities include transport; productivity and skills; housing and regeneration; industrial strategy; finance and investment and public service reform. We are a region on the move. Our time is now.

WM5G is an innovation and digital adoption company, born from a 3-year DCMS (The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) funded programme to accelerate the roll out of 5G. In March 2022, this project came to an end and research shows that it has driven significant economic and social benefits for the region, with the West Midlands now having the best 5G coverage in the UK and boosted its local economy by more than £100m. We are now using the case studies and learnings from the DCMS testbed trials to deliver better connectivity and tech solutions to the Healthcare sector and to speed up the roll out of, new 5G products and services connectivity solutions, AI and Internet of Things to help businesses become future fit for the whole of the UK.

These are exciting times. Growth is strong and optimism is high. Our region is at the forefront of change and we are the place to be in the UK. West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has been created to deliver an ambitious plan to drive inclusive economic growth in the West Midlands region and build a healthier, happier, better connected and more prosperous population. Made up of 18 local authorities and three Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and chaired by the Mayor of the West Midlands, WMCA is working together to move powers from Whitehall to the West Midlands and its locally elected politicians, who know this region best. This is a place determined to make its mark, and it is succeeding. The West Midlands’ magnificent past drives the region’s future. Its cities are built on industry and are now perfectly positioned to re-invent the industrial revolution for the future. This is a place built on social connection, collaboration and progress. Key priorities include transport; productivity and skills; housing and regeneration; industrial strategy; finance and investment and public service reform. We are a region on the move. Our time is now.

Youth4AI is an Artificial Intelligence Youth Program with the sole aim to encourage more young people to explore and understand the world of AI.