Informed Solutions’ group CEO Elzabeth Vega OBE has been awarded an honorary doctorate from The Open University.
Presented by the executive dean of The Open University Professor Nick Braithwaite, the award was recognised at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.
The Doctor of the University was awarded in recognition of Vega’s longstanding contributions to society through responsible and sustainable business, the creation and ethical use of award-winning digital innovation, and her work in fostering an inclusive and diverse technology sector.
Vega founded Informed Solutions in 1992 and has advocated for the integration of technology into society.
Her commitment to investing in digital skills and capabilities has led to outreach programmes that champion diversity and offer young people from under-represented backgrounds across Manchester and the North-West access to career pathways, skills and opportunities.
She has also committed to supporting girls and women in fulfilling their potential in leadership roles in technology.
Also serving as an export champion for the Northern Powerhouse and the Department of Business and Trade, she was a key member of the International Trade Policy advisory board, which supported negotiation teams in the lead-up to the Free Trade agreement between Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Vega was appointed OBE in 2020 for services to international trade and as a trusted advisor and expert in digital transformation.
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The former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak later invited her to join the UK’s Business Council.
“I am both delighted and humbled to receive an honorary doctorate from The Open University, and especially to be recognised for championing responsible business and fostering a culture of innovation that serves all sectors of society and helps meet some of the most significant societal and environmental challenges that we face,” said Vega.
“I have seen the power that creating opportunities in the tech sector can have on the people, our local communities and how technology helps solve many of the social, health, environmental and economic challenges that we all face.”
The OU was founded by Royal Charter and its mission is to make higher education accessible to all people of all ages, offering degrees that enable students to ‘learn while you earn.’
Professor Kevin Shakesheff, pro-vice-chancellor, research and innovation at The Open University, added: “Elizabeth has set new standards for digital technology, with her leadership fostering a culture that champions inclusivity, diversity, and a steadfast commitment to world-class innovation.
“In recent years, the Open University has been fortunate enough to benefit from Elizabeth’s critical support and challenge, thanks to her active role on the research strategic advisory board.
“We are delighted to recognise her contribution to British business and enterprise with this honorary doctorate.”