What’s this, another blog from Thinking Digital 2019? Yes, my fourth from this year’s event. I am sure I will squeeze one or two more. The thing is that there is so much to cover. It would be easy to write about what the speakers are saying but I find it more interesting to blog … Continue reading Humans discover fire
Implementing technology is easy
The solution to problems may be quite simple. Seeing the results however, may take a lot more effort. In 1847, Ignaz Semmelweiss discovered that if doctors washed their hands before attending women in childbirth it dramatically reduced deaths from puerperal fever. But before his work could have much benefit he had to persuade people - … Continue reading Implementing technology is easy
A visit to LORCA
The London Office for Rapid Cybersecurity Advancement sounds like an exciting place and, sure enough, it is. I have been thinking about it for quite awhile now as part of our efforts to create a cyber cluster in the region. LORCA has developed an almost mythical status in my mind, a magical place which will … Continue reading A visit to LORCA
Newcastle Startup week
By all accounts, Newcastle Startup Week was a great success. Praise for the week long festival that focuses on helping new businesses to get off the ground has been effusive. It is a must attend in the ever increasing calendar of events that are highlighting the great things that are going on across the region. … Continue reading Newcastle Startup week
Life’s a Breeze
There is something about a visit to Breeze Creatives that always gets me excited. It's hard to put my finger on it but I think its to do with the creative energy that runs through the place. They have an interesting business model, taking short term leases on buildings that are due for demolition or … Continue reading Life’s a Breeze
Both sides of the crime
Doesn’t time go fast when you are enjoying yourself. I can’t believe that Thinking Digital has come and gone again for another year. It is such a good event that I end up buying my tickets for next year the day they go on sale. I always get a few blogs out of it as … Continue reading Both sides of the crime
It’s all about governance
I have always found presenting to school students daunting and so the prospect of a whole afternoon in front of twenty pupils at Newcastle’s University Technical College, North East Futures, left me with mixed feelings. My trepidation wasn’t helped by the fact that the afternoon was to be spent talking about governance, data protection and … Continue reading It’s all about governance
One Region One Sector One Statement
Today sees the publication of One Region One Sector One Statement, a document that sets out to establish the North East as a world leader for creative digital and tech Innovation. It has been a labour of love, developed over many months, by a small team from across the sector in the region. The real … Continue reading One Region One Sector One Statement
AI and social sciences
A few months ago, Ed, a colleague of mine from Durham University, asked if I would chair a panel session on artificial intelligence and social sciences at Proto in Gateshead. These are not subjects that I had any real experience in though this has never stopped me before from having opinions nor contributing to a … Continue reading AI and social sciences
Ethics? Whatever
If there was ever a fascinating subject to get your head around then ethics is it. Someone’s ethics are the moral principles that govern their behaviour or the way they conduct an activity. At its simplest, ethics is about doing or being right or wrong. People have argued about the subject for years and no … Continue reading Ethics? Whatever
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 