Digital skill demand by region and industry in the UK

Dr Larissa Marioni (), Mary O'Mahony and Patrick Serberis

No 585, National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) Discussion Papers from National Institute of Economic and Social Research

Abstract: This paper proposes a new approach to quantifying digital skill demands using job platform data, focusing on regions of the UK, and on industries identified by the UK government as of strategic importance. The analysis shows a concentration of the highest level digital skills required for innovation in regions around London known as the Golden Triangle, but skills required for 'business as usual' are important everywhere and growing over time. Job adverts requiring AI related skills are even more concentrated. Areas outside the Golden Triangle, especially in the second tier cities, are more likely to hire non‐graduates to fill their digital skills needs. High‐level digital skills are in much greater demand in strategic industries than in other sectors.

Keywords: digital skills; regions; strategic industries; job platform data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J6 O4 R1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-08
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