Aston University, a renowned university focused on science, technology and enterprise, and SCC, a leading technology solutions provider, are proud to announce their partnership in exploring the future of digital technologies and digital skills through the new Aston Digital Futures Institute (ADFI) and the Aston Health Services Hub.

As digital technologies continue to revolutionise every aspect of our lives, the organisations say it is crucial to stay at the forefront of innovation to fully understand the potential impact it can have on society.

The Aston Digital Futures Institute (ADFI), led by Aston University, aims to drive high impact research in digital technologies and create innovative solutions that transform industries and improve business and lives.

As part of the partnership, SCC will be contributing industry expertise to the research programme in the areas of data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital transformation.

The newly announced strategic partnership in Birmingham is also set to deliver training programmes for students and professionals in digital skills and emerging technologies, with a focus on health and digital innovation across a range of priority industry sectors in West Midlands.

Under the new partnership, Aston University and SCC will work together to identify additional areas of interest, including the potential of establishing a joint Digital Skills Academy to develop and implement training programmes for students, professionals and community in digital skills and emerging technologies to address the digital skills gap and improve digital inclusion.

SCC has also joined Aston University’s Computer Science Industry Club, an exclusive network of partners, leading academics and switched-on students who work together to drive ambition and inspire progress.

Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive at Aston University, said:

“I am delighted that we have established a strategic partnership with a leading UK technology company SCC to drive digital innovation in Birmingham and the region.

“As a significant local business with international reach, SCC shares much in common with Aston University as we are both focused on creating positive socio-economic transformations through digital innovation.

“Through our strategic partnership, Aston University and SCC will work together to develop new innovative digital solutions in healthcare and other application areas and address the significant digital skills gap in our society by potentially developing a joint Digital Skills Academy for Birmingham and West Midlands.”

Sir Peter Rigby, founder and chairman of SCC, said:

“This partnership with Aston University is the latest in SCC’s commitment to driving innovation across a range of new technologies and practical applications. Our combined knowledge, experience, and expertise will create positive outcomes and provide tangible benefits to businesses, public sector organisations, and communities.

“Through partnering with Aston University, we will be led by real-world challenges and opportunities to deliver better digital solutions – with an immediate focus on healthcare, industry 4.0 and delivering digital skills in partnership with the SCC Academy”

Daniel Cartter, head of innovation at SCC, who is leading the partnership, added:

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Aston University on this important program.

“Digital technologies are transforming the world around us, and it is crucial that we help our customers understand the impact they will have on society.

“Our collaboration with Aston University will help us to gain deeper insights into the future of digital technologies and develop innovative solutions that can address the challenges of the digital age.”