It is nationally recognized that the digital economy is of vital importance to UK competitiveness. In the words of the DTI

"New technology and fast access to information are transforming the business landscape"

In an attempt to prepare business for the Information Age, the DTI are pursuing projects such as UK On-line for Business and the Home Computing Initiative so that this potential can be exploited by UK businesses. In particular areas such as Digital Content, E-Communications, Games and Computer Services are high-lighted.

A diary of business related events can be found on the university's Business event web page.

The regional strategy, promoted by ONE Northeast, is a move away from traditional large manufacturing companies into small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and future digital industries. The regional development agency One North East (ONE) has set up five centres of excellence as part of its Strategy for Success. These centres reflect the synergy of commercial potential and world class excellence in the region's universities and leading edge technology companies.

The digital sector is a regional leader, with leading edge university research in digital media, human-centred design approaches and software and systems engineering. This is complemented by a strong and growing clusters of companies providing digital products and services. The School's outward facing enterprise training, knowledge transfer and business units reflect this regional strategy providing access to a wealth of advanced research and expertise in computing and digital media applications.