As we approach 2025, Manchester Digital is excited to share Picturing 2025 - a series of essays from our members offering insights into the tech trends and challenges ahead. Below, Naimuri discuss The Rise of the Manchester Tech Hub.
The Rise of the Manchester Tech Hub
In recent years, Manchester has emerged as a thriving epicenter for technological innovation, and by 2025, the city will further cement its position as a leader in fields like software engineering, data science, AI/ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and more. The ecosystem is blossoming, with a surge in startups, collaborations, and institutional support shaping a robust tech talent pipeline that is ready to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.
AI Governance: The Wild West meets reality
As AI continues to make rapid strides, 2025 will be a pivotal year for AI governance. Companies are waking up to the need for more structured and accountable frameworks around the development and deployment of AI technologies. The "wild west" phase of unchecked AI growth is beginning to give way to more defined guidelines on ethics, transparency, and explainability. With AI becoming integral to business operations, organisations will have to grapple with questions surrounding responsibility, fairness, and trustworthiness. Expect AI governance to play a major role in shaping the next phase of AI development.
Data Sovereignty and the questioning of Cloud Computing
Cloud computing revolutionised the way businesses manage and store data, but by 2025, many organisations will start asking difficult questions about the true cost and risks of where and how their data is stored. Data sovereignty will become a focal point as organisations consider where their data is being stored and processed, especially in light of rising concerns over data security, privacy, and government regulations. The increasing costs of cloud services will also drive businesses to seek alternatives, leading to greater interest in hybrid, on-premises, and decentralised solutions.
In summary, Manchester’s tech hub will continue to flourish in 2025, driven by the city’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering innovation. The coming year will see a maturation of AI governance practices and a rethinking of cloud computing's role in modern business, with a new focus on data sovereignty and cost-efficiency
By Dan McBooth, Head of Technology at Naimuri.
