Manchester as a Digital Powerhouse: Governing the ICT-Related Developments

The drive to establish Manchester as a forerunner in the digital economy means the city is now considered the “powerhouse” of the North of England, with salaries for city workers at the highest in the UK outside of London. Despite this, Manchester remains home to some of the most socially and economically deprived communities in the UK: just as those who work in the city earn the highest salaries outside London, those who live in the city earn the lowest salaries of the UK’s Core Cities. Responding to the particular challenge widespread deprivation poses for a city experiencing economic growth, the administration has deployed an entrepreneurial model of urban development, characterized by close partnerships with private organizations and local actors. This chapter explores the governance of the ICT-related developments responsible for transforming Manchester into a “digital powerhouse” and challenges the city’s recently announced “Next Generation Digital Strategy” poses.