Miller Research undertook an evaluation of the Digital Signal Processing Centre of Excellence (DSP Centre) at Bangor University in Spring 2023.
The DSP Centre is a cutting edge research centre which supported researchers to develop innovative DSP solutions to harness new and emerging 5G technology. It was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Bangor University and based in Menai Science Park at Bangor University’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.
The DSP Centre encouraged collaboration by engaging with industry on innovative projects bringing together researchers internationally to deliver six projects with 59 partners including Vodafone, Airbus, FibreSpeed, EFFECT Photonics and Comtek. These projects were:
- DSP algorithm design, optimisation and implementation.
- Flexible transceivers and networking devices.
- Optical and wireless transmission system convergence.
- Cloud network architecture.
- Software defined networking (SDN)-based network control.
- Establishment and field trials of a 5G testbed with DSP-enabled cyber security.
The importance of centres like the DSP Centre was emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic which highlighted the need for reliable and robust digital telecommunications which has become increasingly important during the growth of remote working.
Our Evaluation
Miller Research undertook the evaluation of the DSP Centre, to determine their progress against their objectives, and to measure the impact and benefits from the Centre’s operations.
Working closely with researchers and staff at the DSP Centre, we explored it’s operations to identify progress, opportunities and barriers to its success. We undertook a series of interviews with researchers, stakeholders, and collaborators, as well as case studies, desk-based research, a quantitative survey, a counterfactual impact analysis and mixed methods data analysis. Our evaluation concluded that the DSP Centre was highly commendable for its effectiveness and relevance within the current landscape, particularly the socio-economic implications of its work which were highly praised by stakeholders.
Our work with DSP Centre of Excellence builds on our past experiences in North Wales, including evaluations of the M-Sparc Centre, and Blue Fish project.