Manchester City Council, Manchester

Assessing Digital Maturity and Developing a Strategic Roadmap for Connected Placemaking 

As part of its digital transformation journey, Manchester is pursuing the vision of becoming a connected, future-ready city. The initiative extends beyond the implementation of new technologies, embracing a holistic approach that considers people, processes, governance, and technology alike.

Drees & Sommer supported Manchester City Council in conducting a comprehensive assessment of its digital transformation capabilities. The objective was to evaluate the digital maturity of both the city administration and the broader urban ecosystem, identify strengths and improvement opportunities, and establish a robust foundation for future development.

The assessment covered the entire organization, including existing IT infrastructure, operational processes, governance frameworks, and the current data and technology landscape. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding how digital solutions can be effectively embedded across departments and scaled to support long-term transformation goals.

Based on the findings, Drees & Sommer worked closely with Manchester City Council to define a strategic vision and develop actionable recommendations for the next phase of its digital transformation journey. Key focus areas included citizen engagement, governance structures, and cross-organizational collaboration.

The project represents a significant step toward the implementation of a comprehensive smart city strategy and enables Manchester to deploy digital solutions in a targeted and impact-driven manner. 

Added value

• Transparent assessment of the city administration’s digital maturity
• Clear identification of strengths, weaknesses, and priority areas for action
• Creation of a strategic foundation for future digital transformation initiatives
• Enhancement of governance and organizational structures
• Promotion of connected, citizen-centric urban development

Services

• Digital Maturity Assessment
• Development of a strategic vision and transformation objectives
• Strategic planning and roadmap development
• Analysis of organizational structures, processes, and governance frameworks
• Development of citizen engagement strategies
• Conceptual optimization of municipal governance structures 

"At Manchester City Council, we are committed to creating a fairer and more connected city for all our diverse communities. This report provides a clear roadmap for how digital technologies can be leveraged to improve quality of life, enhance access to services, address social challenges, and ensure that all residents benefit from the opportunities offered by a connected city." 

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar