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Event celebrates Ayrshire’s transformation to 5G Region
Ayrshire’s progress to becoming a leader in digital innovation and economic resilience was celebrated at a major event yesterday.
Businesses, politicians, academics and industry experts gathered at the University of the West of Scotland’s Ayr Campus to hear first-hand about the real-world impact of the Ayrshire Digital Economy projects supported through the UK Government’s 5G Innovation Regions programme.
In 2023, Ayrshire received £3.8million from the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) team to become one of ten 5G Innovation Regions (5GIR) across the UK.
The Ayrshire 5GIR project is a collaboration between partners - the three Ayrshire Councils, The Scotland 5G Centre, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, University of the West of Scotland and Ayrshire College – and builds on Ayrshire Growth Deal funding to enhance technology and improve connectivity across the region.
Wednesday’s showcase shone a spotlight on how the 5GIR investment is transforming five key sectors - advanced manufacturing, aerospace, education, tourism, and SME productivity - while also supporting digital skills and fostering a collaborative innovation ecosystem across Ayrshire.
It featured presentations, panel discussions and demonstrations from a range of 5GIR partners and esteemed guests including DSIT, Scottish Government Digital Connectivity Team, and strategic technology partner, Vodafone.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in workshops led by experts from two of Ayrshire’s new Innovation Hubs – the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) in Irvine and the Digital Connectivity & Innovation Centre (DCIC) at UWS, Ayr - which enable local businesses and students access to cutting-edge 5G technology, encouraging experimentation and practical applications.
The conference also heard about the developing the Ayrshire Digital Economy 5G Ecosystem which, through increased collaboration and stakeholder engagement, will drive innovation, upskill businesses and influence future investment into the region.
This aligns closely with the Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD), propelling Ayrshire into a future where digital innovation not only thrives but significantly contributes to the region's and UK’s economic resilience and growth.
Quote: The Ayrshire 5GIR Showcase was an inspiring and energising event. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the innovation happening right here in Ayrshire and to celebrate the people and partnerships making it possible. What we’ve built together is more than a set of projects - it’s a growing ecosystem. One that is collaborative, inclusive, and shaping a sustainable future. These projects embody the Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy and our digital economy workstream, representing the kind of innovation, resilience, and community focus that Ayrshire is becoming known for.”
Quote from: Councillor Alec Clark, Vice Chair of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership and Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council
Published: 29 August 2025