Bristol Digital Futures Institute was founded in 2019 with over £100m investment and support from Research England and cross-sector partners, including Digital Catapult. Its’ mission is to drive digital innovation for more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous futures.
Jeremy Silver is an entrepreneur, author and investor who heads up the UK's leading agency for the early adoption of advanced digital technologies.
Digital Catapult works with organisations to discover new ways to solve cross-industry challenges, increase productivity and open up new markets, working with a range of emerging technologies including AI, 5G and virtual and augmented reality. This innovation activity is underpinned by a commitment to recognise the environmental, social and economic dimensions of digital transformation, to drive lasting prosperity and well-being of individuals and societies.
In his additional role as Chair, Jeremy will lead a cross-sector and high-profile board to help propel BDFI’s vision and strategy though expert advice, horizon scanning, support, and provide steer on opportunities or programmes of strategic importance.
Jeremy Silver, CEO of Digital Catapult and Chair of Bristol Digital Futures Institute’s External Steering Board, said:
"It’s a privilege to take up the role as inaugural Chair of the BDFI and to work alongside a group of such talented and respected peers. What we are building in Bristol is a vital part of new global efforts to overcome the challenges created by the first generation of digital transformation and to create instead an inclusive, responsible and sustainable framework for the future, powered by digital innovation. I’m looking forward very much to working with the rest of the Steering Board to help drive the ambitious agenda of the BDFI.”
Professor Dimitra Simeonidou, academic co-director of BDFI, said:
“Jeremy is a globally recognised Digital Leader, having worked across a diverse range of technology and creative sectors. I am delighted to welcome him as Chair of the Bristol Digital Futures Institute Steering Board.
“I am confident that Jeremy will play a leading role in advising on our research strategy, helping us disrupt the traditional patterns of innovation and adoption, and support our ambition to drive digital technology creation fit for the future”.
Susan Halford, academic co-director of BDFI, said:
“Digital technologies are changing our world, for better and for worse. To harness the opportunities and address the challenges, we must fundamentally change how we innovate, better consider the interplay between technology and society, and support innovation that is ethical, socially responsible and beneficial for everyone.
“Jeremy is exceptionally well-placed to support BDFI as we drive new sociotechnical methodologies to co-create digital technologies and tip digital futures towards these ends.”