In a discussion at Connected Britain in London, John Duncan outlined a plan to turn Greater Manchester into a growth zone for AI by improving digital infrastructure and ensuring inclusion across the region.
He highlighted the GM One Network, the large public-sector backbone that now covers thousands of kilometers of fiber and connects key public services across the metro area.
The GMCA aims for full coverage by 2030 and emphasizes ongoing collaboration with fiber and mobile providers to close inclusion gaps and keep connectivity affordable for residents.
Duncan noted Manchester’s AI ecosystem as the UK’s largest cluster outside London, with growth anchored in energy-efficient data centers and sustainable operations tied to renewable energy and water-management considerations.
He stressed a collaborative approach with other city regions—Liverpool, West Yorkshire, London, and Glasgow—arguing that GM is not in competition but eager to share learning and best practices.
Asked how success will be measured, Duncan said universal citizen access and improved services will mark progress, even if no single finish line exists.
