Applications have opened in the search for the West Midlands’ first-ever Tech Commissioner to help maintain the region’s place as a leading UK tech hub, with the aim of supporting the creation of thousands more jobs and growing the local economy by almost £3billion by 2025.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is creating the part-time, voluntary role in a partnership with Birmingham Tech, a not-for-profit community initiative (CIC) which aims to raise the profile of the region’s tech scene.
Once in post, the Tech Commissioner will have a high-profile role spearheading an international network of West Midlands Global Tech Ambassadors. They will be tasked with ensuring the region’s tech sector retains its position as the UK’s fastest growing, as it has proudly been for the past two years, valued at £15.3 billion, up from £11.5 billion in 2021.
The successful candidate will be expected to advocate for the region as a place that national and international ‘big tech’ firms should relocate to or have a presence in, engage with key influencers in the sector to understand their barriers to growth, and champion new investment in start-ups and those looking to scale up.
A key element of this role will also be to advise the Mayor of the West Midlands and the WMCA Economy team on how to achieve the aims of its Digital Strategy & Roadmap. These include becoming the UK's best digitally connected region and increasing access to digital opportunities by tackling digital exclusion.
The deadline for applications is 9 January.
The West Midlands is now home to more than 2,300 start-ups that have collectively raised more than £850m in venture capital funding since 2020. The region is predicted to create extra 52,000 tech jobs by 2025, adding £2.7 billion to the economy.
Yiannis Maos, founder and CEO of Birmingham Tech, which is leading the recruitment process for the Tech Commissioner, said: “As a region, the West Midlands is now at the forefront of the UK’s digital economy with high ambitions to remain there. To achieve that the momentum must be maintained and that’s why we need a Tech Commissioner. It’s a high-profile role for someone with a real calibre and a wealth of contacts who can ensure the sector continues to grow and prosper so its potential is fully realised.”
The first West Midlands Tech Commissioner will serve an initial two-year term. For a full job description and how to apply visit the Birmingham Tech website.
