The government has promised over $30bn in international investment, including from leading US tech firms, and more than 5,000 high-skilled jobs on the horizon as it announces a new AI Growth Zone for the North East this morning, promising to transform the region’s economy, workforce, and innovation landscape.
The AI Growth Zone, developed via a technology partnership with the US, will be anchored at Blyth and Cobalt Park near Newcastle, positioning the North East as one of the largest data centre hubs in Europe.
The project builds on the region’s reputation for cutting-edge research, renewable energy resources and advanced manufacturing. It also taps into the North East’s world-class universities, which are already at the forefront of artificial intelligence research and training.
UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “This is great news for the North East and the people who live there. This investment will create thousands of high-quality jobs, boost skills and inspire the creation of new firms.
“The North East’s industrial legacy is evolving into a future of innovation – unlocking a potential £30bn and powering communities with the skills and careers to lead the UK’s next industrial revolution.”
