Barnsley Council's Seam Digital Campus has been featured as a case study in an international blueprint for economic growth. The policy framework was developed by Hammersmith & Fulham Council in partnership with innovation leaders from Europe, Australia and South America, and was launched at the Upstream London Network Economic Forum.

The blueprint highlights The Seam as an example of how sustained council investment can support economic recovery in places rebuilding after industrial decline. It notes that Barnsley's Tech Town status "is a direct result of two decades of council-driven investment in digital infrastructure, incubators, accelerators and challenge-led innovation, built to replace the jobs lost when coal and heavy industry declined."

Five key components for growth

The blueprint identifies five elements needed to drive inclusive, place-based economic growth:

Triple-helix partnerships: Anchor institutions including universities, health trusts, research and development centres and major corporates working alongside government and business.

Entrepreneurial municipal government: Local government actively assembling the diverse components that inclusive, place-based growth requires.

Start-up and scale-up support: Affordable, flexible workspace and labs for growing businesses, with expert support and advice in a campus environment that encourages collaboration.

Investment attraction: Using venture capital and other finance to drive growth.

Inclusivity interventions: Capital investment in facilities, revenue investment in services, and a shared culture of responsibility translated into practical support for residents.

Council response

Councillor Luke Wheat, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, said: "We're proud to have contributed to this international blueprint for inclusive, innovation-led growth.

"Through The Seam Digital Campus, we've already shown how places can use innovation and technology to drive economic growth, create opportunities for local people, and support businesses to thrive.

"As the UK's first government-backed Tech Town, we're committed to sharing the benefits of innovation by helping residents develop the skills they need for the jobs of the future and assist businesses in adopting new technologies to improve productivity."

The full blueprint document is available on the Hammersmith & Fulham Council website.