The work of the Digital Place Team, including the multi award-winning 5G RuralDorset project, has earned the Dorset Council area a reputation for world-class telecoms R&D.

We want to further establish our county as a leading destination for digital innovation in sectors key to the success of our region and the UK. The Dorset Council Plan to 2024 identifies digital innovation as a key Cabinet commitment.

We now have an opportunity to continue supporting and growing this innovation ecosystem to create something of lasting local, national and international significance. It could draw in millions of pounds and create hundreds of skilled jobs in Dorset, helping support council priorities and regional aspirations such as those set out in the Great South West Prospectus.

We need an agile, pacey yet legally compliant way of working with current and future partners and suppliers to offer “innovation as a service”. Opportunities in this field can be high value and typically have short deadlines. Speedy but robust procurement arrangements are essential.

The work of the Digital Place Team, including the multi award-winning 5G RuralDorset project, has earned the Dorset Council area a reputation for world-class telecoms R&D.

We want to further establish our county as a leading destination for digital innovation in sectors key to the success of our region and the UK. The Dorset Council Plan to 2024 identifies digital innovation as a key Cabinet commitment.

We now have an opportunity to continue supporting and growing this innovation ecosystem to create something of lasting local, national and international significance. It could draw in millions of pounds and create hundreds of skilled jobs in Dorset, helping support council priorities and regional aspirations such as those set out in the Great South West Prospectus.

We need an agile, pacey yet legally compliant way of working with current and future partners and suppliers to offer “innovation as a service”. Opportunities in this field can be high value and typically have short deadlines. Speedy but robust procurement arrangements are essential.