The UK Research and Innovation Digital Economy Theme supports research to rapidly realise the transformational impact of digital technologies on aspects of community life, cultural experiences, future society, and the economy.
The Digital Economy (DE) Theme brings together a unique community of researchers from diverse disciplines, including social science, engineering, computer science, the arts and medical research; and users; including people, businesses and government; to study, understand and find solutions to real problems.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) leads the RCUK Digital Economy Theme on behalf of Research Councils UK.
Since 2008 the RCUK Digital Economy Theme has invested £150m in:
- Building the capacity and expertise needed to realise the Digital Economy through three Digital Economy Research Hubs
- Training a new generation of digital economy researchers through a network of Centres for Doctoral Training
- Research Networks in four challenge areas: Sustainable Society, Communities and Culture, New Economic Models, and IT as a Utility
- Funding a portfolio of research which crosses disciplinary boundaries.