ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study, which analyses Manchester's Digital Strategy. It consists in a transformative 'road map' of programmes of projects with the goal of making Manchester 'one of the world's leading digital cities by 2020'. The chapter analyses the structural context of Manchester across a number of 'capitals for sustainable competitiveness'. It sketches Manchester's recent dynamics and how they influence the design of Manchester's Digital Strategy. The chapter explores how the Digital Strategy fits within Manchester's City vision and other portfolios of local development initiatives. It presents the strategic objectives of the Digital Strategy and its evolution over time, as well as critical implementation factors and results so far. The chapter concludes by presenting lessons and challenges that can be relevant for other cities as well. The Digital Strategy has a global ambition, to better position Manchester in the international competition for digital businesses and investments, and the status of a digital 'master plan' within the administration.
