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<p>The Digital Economy Centres were funded through the Research Council UK’s (RCUK)
Digital Economy (DE) research programme. This theme has already invested over £170
million in applied multidisciplinary research across the Digital Economy - from societal
challenges to technological solutions.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The Next Generation
DE Centres will operate over a five-year period and will draw substantially on the
knowledge and successes of previous RCUK Digital Economy investments. We have funded
six centres and will continue to monitor the impact of the programme as these centres
become operational.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>There have been no ministerial or
official level discussions with the Welsh Government on this issue. The Research Councils
support academic research throughout the UK. The Centre based in Swansea is partnering
with the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust and South Wales Police, amongst
other partners.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The DE Centres were awarded as part
of a peer reviewed competition during 2014/15. All applications were considered according
to the RCUK standard peer review processes with research excellence as the primary
criterion. <strong><em> </em></strong>Additional secondary assessment criteria such
as evidence of co-creation with end-users, and clear plans to develop the UK Digital
Economy community, were also considered. The Centres were also required to demonstrate
how they would train skilled researchers and innovators.</p><p> </p>
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