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<p>The digital economy is considered an important sector by the Government, given
its strong past performance and potential for future growth and the impact it has
on all sectors of the economy. The ICT sector<strong><strong>[1]</strong></strong>
has grown over two and a half times as fast as the whole economy over the past 10
years. In 2013, the sector contributed 7.5% (£113bn) to the UK’s GVA and supported
1.3m jobs in the UK economy. In GVA terms, the UK ICT sector is the largest in the
EU, marginally ahead of Germany. In employment terms, the UK ICT sector is the second
largest in the EU, marginally behind Germany[2].</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The
opportunities and barriers to successful growth in the sector were considered in the
Information Economy Strategy, published in June 2013. The strategy set out a long-term
strategic action plan for industry, government and academia working in partnership
to create the business conditions for a thriving UK information economy.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>One of the major challenges identified in the strategy was skills shortages.
We are working in partnership with industry to make sure our education and training
routes are providing the digital skills the UK needs now and in future. Specific action
includes, a new Computing Curriculum launched in September with a greater focus on
computational thinking, reforms to apprenticeships that enable employers to develop
new standards which reflect the skills they need, a new Degree Apprenticeship in digital
skills, which will enable young people to get a full honours degree alongside on the
job training and a National College for Digital Skills, which will drive up further
education standards.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><br /><p>[1] UN and OECD definition of ICT and Content and Media:
which incorporates manufacturing of computers, communication equipment and consumer
electronics, wholesale of information and communication equipment and information
and communication services</p><p>[2] EuroStat Structural Business Statistics Database
(based on UN/OECD definition.)</p><p> </p>
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