Staffordshire County Council has unveiled plans to position the county as "the intelligent heart of the country" through artificial intelligence adoption, with the potential to contribute around £2 billion to the local economy by 2030.
The council wants to ensure Staffordshire has the digital infrastructure, partnerships and innovation assets needed to support wider AI adoption. A new report highlights opportunities across advanced manufacturing, logistics, construction, health and social care, digital industries and energy.
Support for Businesses and Workers
The council plans to strengthen AI support for small and start-up businesses through the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub. New support programmes will help firms increase productivity, innovate and remain competitive.
A Virtual AI Skills Academy is proposed to improve careers guidance and training opportunities. The aim is to help people gain skills for current jobs and take advantage of emerging opportunities. Support will target groups most at risk of digital exclusion.
What Comes Next
Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "AI is here now, and we need to move at pace. That means giving Staffordshire businesses practical support to adopt it and making sure our residents have the skills to benefit."
The county council has called for greater government investment in skills and growth funding to accelerate AI adoption across the county.
The AI Business Case will be discussed by the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 21 July, before going to cabinet later this year.