Digital hub lands to boost Teesside trade landscape

A new venture designed to revolutionise global trade is set to launch at Teesside International Airport. 

The Digital Trade Testbed, a collaboration between Teesside University and Tees Valley Combined Authority, will trial technology to streamline imports and exports.

Bosses say it could save businesses billions of pounds in administration costs and “drastically” reduce paperwork by digitising documents.

Using artificial intelligence, machine learning and 5G connectivity, officials say the testbed, the only one of its type in the country, will enhance interoperability and improve global trade efficiency by “developing innovative real-world solutions” that “make it easier to do business”.

Professor David Hughes, associate dean (research and knowledge exchange) in Teesside University’s school of computing, engineering and digital technologies, said: “The UK is at the forefront of digital trade, and this presents a real opportunity as a nation to drive good practice in this vital area.

“As a region and a university, we are delighted to be spearheading this trade revolution through the Digital Trade Testbed.”

The initiative builds on Teesside University’s partnership with the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation, and follows a £3.5 million investment from Teesside Freeport.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, who chairs the Teesside Freeport board, added: “We’ve always been a technology trailblazer.

“Our work on 5G with industry experts, Government and Teesside University has been yet another example of how we’re leading the pack to boost our airport and unleash our region’s full potential.

“This testbed is yet another chance to put Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool on the international map when it comes to making it easier to do business in the UK.”

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