Digital Equity and Circular Systems (DECS)

As an exploratory feasibility study, this project responds to the GW4 Crucible 2026 Imagined Futures theme by asking: What would it look like for GW4 universities to act genuinely as civic institutions, leveraging their regional network of researchers and digital infrastructure, community organisations, charities, lived-experience groups, and public-sector partners to tackle digital exclusion through environmentally sustainable solutions? Led by Dr Patricia Dos Santos Rodrigues (Cardiff University), this project will explore varied approaches to digital equity and circular systems (DECS), including sustainable technology reuse, community partnerships, tailored digital skills support, and other forms of practical assistance.