THE North of Tyne Combined Authority will invest £12m to boost the digital sector in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside.

The investment, which includes £7m for a 5G and Future Connectivity fund, will be used to create jobs in a new ‘digital ecosystem’ of mutually supportive tech businesses and organisations.

The Government’s Innovation strategy launched last week and said the pace of technological change would make the 2020s a pivotal moment for the UK’s future prosperity.

The investment will help create 600 jobs and safeguard a further 140. It will also unlock support for over 500 enterprises and 450 residents.

North of Tyne leaders said the investment would future proof the region’s economy, laying the foundations for further investment and growth and builds on previous multi-million-pound deals to improve rural internet connectivity and access to digital expertise.

North of Tyne cabinet member for clean energy and connectivity Coun. Richard Wearmouth said the investment was an example of “levelling up”.

He added: “This will be a game changer for the region. It will accelerate investment in infrastructure and connectivity in the North of Tyne, supporting the industry-led innovation of our rapidly growing tech sector.

“It will also give real incentives for mobile networks and infrastructure providers to roll out super-fast wireless and fibre across Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland.

“The power of digital solutions can help countless businesses emerge from the crisis.

“From artificial intelligence to data clouds, from digital innovation hubs to ‘deep tech’ start-ups, innovation, growth and productivity, and technology will go hand in hand.”

Plans also include providing support for start-ups, and for digital and tech businesses based in the North of Tyne area.