What examples of environmental added value from other government funded infrastructure projects are there, either domestically or internationally? How could these help BDUK support government environmental goals, like those associated with tree planting and peatland restoration, alongside its primary target of fixed and mobile connectivity? How can we learn from these projects in terms of improving environmental reporting particularly regarding the supply chain for these projects?
Background
BDUK wishes to develop a stronger evidence base around the telecoms market and how it functions at a national level. In these markets, BDUK is interested in increasing understanding of infrastructure planning and decision making, as well as how infrastructure maintenance can be ensured in the long term.
BDUK would like more insight into the barriers to delivery of gigabit and mobile roll-out across the UK and what technological innovations may assist in this. International comparisons for gigabit and mobile connectivity roll out would also be beneficial.
Cutting across all programmes, BDUK wants to understand more about the impacts of fixed and mobile connectivity, specifically how greater connectivity benefits businesses, residents, and public sector organisations. In addition, BDUK also needs more evidence on the behavioural changes connectivity makes to residents and businesses which have been connected, and the wider impacts this may have.
Lastly, BDUK is interested in more evidence on the environmental impact of its work.
Next steps
If you are keen to register your interest in working and connecting with DSIT Digital Technology and Telecoms Group and/or submitting evidence, then please complete the DSIT-ARI Evidence survey - https://dsit.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cDfmK2OukVAnirs.
Please view full details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology-areas-of-research-interest/dsit-areas-of-research-interest-2024
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Topics
Related UKRI funded projects
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NetworkPlus - A green, connected and prosperous Britain
The impending rollout of 5G offers significant opportunity to reassess how to build, operate and manage networks in a smart, strategic way providing connectivity and mobility equity across the UK. For example, implementi...
Funded by: EPSRC
Why might this be relevant?
The project discusses the environmental impact of mobile connectivity and offers solutions for reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the question's focus on environmental added value.
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UK Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium (ITRC): PROGRAMME GRANT: Long term dynamics of interdependent infrastructure systems
National infrastructure (NI) systems (energy, transport, water, waste and ICT) in the UK and in advanced economies globally face serious challenges. The 2009 Council for Science and Technology (CST) report on NI in the U...
Funded by: EPSRC
Why might this be relevant?
The project addresses the challenges and risks associated with infrastructure systems, including the need to reduce carbon emissions and build resilience to climate change, which aligns with the question's focus on environmental goals and infrastructure planning.
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The degrowth transition of infrastructures in the urbanised periphery. Mapping processes and uncovering socio-economic impacts in Southern Europe
According to the UN, 2.5 billion people will join the world's urban population by 2050, and, as per Europe's own demographic projection, 83.7% of its population will live in urban areas by then. However, most will not se...
Funded by: ESRC
Why might this be relevant?
Partially relevant as it focuses on urban infrastructure rather than government-funded projects for environmental added value.