Northern Ireland has huge potential for growth, and digitalisation could be the driving force behind that growth. In recent years, digital technology and innovations have helped businesses around the world change how they operate and grow in new ways. This process often referred to as digitalisation or digital transformation, is being encouraged to bring new opportunities and create new jobs.
Digital technology can help businesses find better employees, deliver better products and reach a wider range of consumers. By undergoing digitalisation, Northern Ireland can grow its economy and create better opportunities for the people living in the country. A new programme, known as Digital Surge, is helping provide support for companies across Northern Ireland and helping them undergo digital transformation.
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In recent years, a growing number of Northern Ireland businesses have been going digital, making the most of new technology and techniques to enter the global economy. Link Building agency AWISEE has seen more Northern Ireland clients request their services to build their online presence and unlock new opportunities.
What is Digital Surge
Digital Surge, which had previously been known as the Digital Transformation Programme, is a £1 million programme that is helping businesses across the country achieve digitalisation. Although it’s led by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, it’s available for businesses across Northern Ireland and provides a range of support, advice and resources to help make the digital transformation process easier.
The initiative’s goal is to expose small and medium-sized enterprises to a variety of digital tools through seminars, mentoring, courses, and network events. It will be supporting and complementing existing efforts put in place by local councils, with the end goal being a more efficient and digital country. Funding for the programme comes from Invest Northern Ireland, the European Regional Development Fund and the country’s 11 councils.
All businesses that complete the programme will not only learn about the latest trends in digitalisation, but they’ll also receive a digital transformation roadmap to help them innovate these technologies. Some of the main areas introduced and explored by Digital Surge include:
- The internet of things (IoT)
- Process automation
- Data analytics
- Artificial intelligence
- Blockchain technology
Why is Digital Transformation Important?
Businesses which recognise the role these technology trends can play in the industry will be far more capable of growth and development. It helps businesses deliver better results to consumers while also growing and creating new opportunities. Innovation is one of the key aspects of creating and maintaining a competitive advantage. As a result, digital transformation can help a business not only grow but also thrive and compete in a global market.
Some of the main benefits of digital transformation include:
A Better Customer Experience
Improving the customer experience should be at the core of any digitalisation strategy. Ultimately, digitalisation can make things much easier for consumers, giving them faster and better access to the features and things they want. Low prices, more variety and faster delivery, are all important, as is improved customer service. Digitalisation can deliver on all of these aspects when done correctly.
Data-Driven Insights
Data is increasingly being used to drive business strategy, and digitalisation is making it easier than ever to collect and analyse data. Digital businesses benefit from a greater amount of data and can also employ machine learning algorithms to create better insights from the data. This can be used, in turn, to improve business strategy and deliver better results.
More Efficient Processes
Improved efficiency is one of the most significant benefits of a digital transformation strategy. Resources can be better managed, and logistics improved. In addition, products or services can be created and provided at lower costs, helping fuel growth and improved profits.
