“"We’re proud to have contributed to this international blueprint for inclusive, innovation-led growth. Through The Seam Digital Campus, we’ve already shown how places can use innovation and technology to drive economic growth, create opportunities for local people, and support businesses to thrive. As the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town, we’re committed to sharing the benefits of innovation by helping residents develop the skills they need for the jobs of the future and assist businesses in adopting new technologies to improve productivity. This blueprint reflects many of the principles that underpin our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy, and we’re excited to continue working with our international partners to develop new solutions to shared challenges and create opportunities for current and future generations in Barnsley."
Barnsley's Digital Campus Fuels National Economic Growth Blueprint
The Seam Digital Campus is highlighted in a new policy blueprint for economic growth, developed by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
By Beth Ackroyd
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a digital circuit board with glowing data lines, and a blurred background of Yorkshire cityscapes.
The Seam Digital Campus in Barnsley has been recognised as a key case study in a new five-point blueprint for national economic growth, launched last week at the Upstream London Network Economic Forum.
Developed by Hammersmith & Fulham Council in partnership with international innovation leaders, the blueprint highlights The Seam's success in rebuilding an economy after industrial decline. It notes that Barnsley's Tech Town status is a direct result of two decades of council investment in digital infrastructure, incubators, accelerators, and innovation, replacing jobs lost from the coal and heavy industry sectors.
The policy document outlines how a place-based, innovation-led, and inclusive economic strategy can drive rapid growth. It identifies five key components: triple-helix partnerships involving anchor institutions, government, and business; entrepreneurial municipal government actively assembling growth components; robust start-up and scale-up support with flexible workspace and expert advice; investment attraction through venture capital; and inclusivity interventions focusing on capital and revenue investment, alongside a shared culture of responsibility.
The launch event convened senior politicians, policymakers, researchers, and business leaders to discuss responses to accelerating technological innovation and global economic competition. Councillor Luke Wheat, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, expressed pride in contributing to the international blueprint.
The blueprint document is available on the Hammersmith & Fulham Council website.
Based on information from the official source: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (21/10/2026)
