The transformative power of digital communities | Dileepa Ranawake | TEDxHull

Summary

The speaker shares the transformative journey of Hull, a city revitalized through identity, purpose, and connectedness. Once defined by the decline of its fishing industry, Hull has become a thriving tech hub, attracting digital pioneers and startups. The speaker emphasizes the importance of community building, leveraging local strengths, and fostering collaboration over competition. Personal stories illustrate how individuals and the city have overcome isolation to achieve success, with Hull now recognized for its talent and innovation in technology.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Hull has transformed from a city with a sense of isolation to one with a renewed sense of identity, purpose, and connectedness.
• 🤔 Questions about identity and purpose are fundamental to understanding ourselves and the opportunities we believe we can achieve.
• 🔗 Connectedness is a powerful building block of identity and is crucial in combating the negative effects of isolation.
• 👶 The curiosity and questions of children are essential in shaping our identities and what we perceive as achievable.
• 🌱 The city of Hull, like the speaker, experienced a period of isolation but found a new path through the rise of the digital community.
• 🌐 Hull's designation as the UK City of Culture 2017 and its ultra-fast internet infrastructure sparked a tech community and economic revival.
• 💡 The digital industry is accessible, offering opportunities for learning and innovation to anyone with the drive to create and solve problems.
• 🚀 Digital pioneers and startups have flocked to Hull, turning it into a hub of talent and innovation, attracting global attention.
• 🌟 Success stories from individuals and companies in Hull demonstrate the power of a connected community to foster growth and opportunity.
• 🏭 The physical transformation of Hull, particularly in areas like the Fruit Market, reflects the city's shift towards a tech-focused economy.
• 📈 Five key lessons for building a community include starting with people, leveraging unique strengths, nurturing collaboration, learning from mistakes, and sharing success stories.

Q & A

What are the three catalysts mentioned in the talk that have transformed Hull?

The three catalysts mentioned are identity, purpose, and connectedness.

How does the speaker describe the impact of isolation on individuals?

The speaker describes isolation as a state where individuals lack inspiration and new ideas, leading to self-doubt and limiting their sense of what they can achieve.

What significant event happened in Hull that filled the city with pride and hope?

Hull was nominated as the UK City of Culture 2017, which filled the city with pride and authentic hope for a better future.

Why did the speaker initially choose to move to Hull for university?

The speaker chose to move to Hull for university due to having low grades and a desire to move far away from their previous environment, not because of the city's heritage or culture.

How did Hull become the most connected city in the UK?

Hull became the most connected city in the UK because a third of the ultra-fast internet fiber in the UK was buried under its streets.

What is the importance of digital technology in creating opportunities according to the speaker?

Digital technology is important because it is accessible, allowing anyone to learn to code for free online and potentially reach billions with their ideas.

What is the significance of the story of Hayden in the context of the talk?

Hayden's story is significant as it shows how someone from a disadvantaged background can achieve great things through innovation and digital technology, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Why did the global company Saab choose Hull as the base for their team?

Saab chose Hull because they recognized the presence of highly specialized individuals in the city, indicating that Hull is now seen as a hub for talent.

What are the five stock tips the speaker suggests for building a community?

The five tips are: start with people, leverage your unique strengths, nurture a culture of collaboration, learn from mistakes and refine your model, and when you succeed, make sure to share your story.

How has Hull's identity, purpose, and connectedness changed according to the speaker?

Hull's identity, purpose, and connectedness have been renewed through the formation of a technology community, attracting digital pioneers and startups, and creating a culture of collaboration and innovation.