Details of each webinar are as follows:

 - Monday 28th November, 1-2pm - 21st Century Digital Economy  – Stretching for Excellence (by Dr Peter Cochrane and Dr Sinclair Stockman)

Access to high speed reliable digital infrastructure is seen to be one of the most important enabling infrastructures in terms of economic development and social uplift in the current decade. In this session the potential of this infrastructure will be explored and we will look at how regions across the globe are building high speed infrastructures to build a better future for their citizens. We have the potential in Northern Ireland, to build a digital economy which will enhance the quality of life of our citizens, and enable the region to become a significant player in a range of global value chains. Dr Peter Cochrane, a though leader in this area, will share his insights with us, and challenge us to have the ambition to realise our full potential.

 

The rapid expansion of reliable high speed digital infrastructure, offers a range of possibilities in terms of delivery of citizen services in the coming decade. The term Smart Cities is being used to characterise what we should be striving for. In this session we will explore what exactly the implications of this are, both in terms of our citizens and also business opportunities. We will also look at some examples of initiatives, already underway in Northern Ireland, to proactively deliver digital strategies for our regions. 

 

 - Wednesday 30th November, 1-2pm - Building the Cloud (by Dermot Walsh Whisple and Mark Cawley eircom)

Cloud computing is a major theme in technology investment. This session aims to explain what are the potential benefits that cloud technology can offer to businesses in Northern Ireland, both as a consumer of these services and also as a producer. Effective use of cloud computing technology offers businesses and administrations the potential to be both more nimble and also more efficient in realising their business goals. Northern Ireland aims to be a major player in this field internationally. Our discussion will explore what is required to make this happen.

 

 - Thursday 1st December, 1-2pm - Business Opportunities – exploiting the digital platform to grow business (by Dr Stephen Brennan, Digital Hub and Exemplar business leads: James Scott, Jampot)

The digital platform is a critical part of 21st century business infrastructure. Often digital technology is seen to be the preserve of large corporations, in this session we will look at numerous examples of companies who have successfully exploited digital technology to increase market reach, enhance their product offering and build highly successful regional and international businesses. The digital platform provides companies in Northern Ireland with the opportunity to play a significant role in various global value chains.  

 

 -  Friday 2nd December, 1-2pm - Digital benefits to our citizens (by Chris Chant, Digital Champion Cabinet Office UK and Mark Feeney eSkills NI)

The digital platform, unlike many infrastructure investments, has the potential to be beneficial to all of our citizens. Ranging from exciting our childrens’ imagination to addressing isolation in old age, digital technology has great potential to transform our society for the better. In this session we will explore some of the ways that this can be achieved and challenge ourselves to ensure that all of the sections of Northern Ireland have the opportunity to access these benefits.  

 

For more information or to register please visit www.dni2020.com/virtual-ict-week.