Research: Digital Stoke Reports

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by Prof Jon Fairburn

This project is interested in the presence in North Staffordshire (defined as Stoke on Trent, Newcastle under Lyme and Staffordshire Moorlands) of an IT or digital sector of substantial size, high productivity, and continued growth relative to the local economy. The purpose of this research is to conduct primary research:

(i) to map the IT sector in North Staffordshire;

(ii) to analyse the IT sector origins, structure, performance, and current and potential role in the local economy; and

(iii) thereby to inform evidence-based policies to sustain and develop this emergent sector.

Very early findings of the project were reported in this blog

Report 1

Includes theoretical underpinnings of the project and analysis of a range of secondary datasets to illustrate there is a significant digital cluster in North Staffordshire

Suggested citation: Pugh G, Li Y, Gregory M and Fairburn J (2025) “Digital Stoke”: a new opportunity for a second-order post-industrial city. Report 1.

Digital Stoke report 1 – 25 July 2025Download

Report 2

Primary research including interviews with companies in the study area, a survey of companies in the area, analysis of a secondary data set and mapping of data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Due for release Sept 2025

Report 3

  • Covering history of the development of the cluster
  • Case study polices from elsewhere to support the digital sector
  • Recommendations for supporting the digital sector in North Staffordshire

This project has been supported by the following local organisations:

  • Stoke City Council,
  • Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
  • Newcastle under Lyme Council
  • Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

Presentations of findings during various stages of the project have been given to:

Advisory Board

Funded through the ESRC in collaboration with the Productivity Institute at the University of Manchester.

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