Johnston Press is to embark on a project to find the best ways of using new digital technologies, in a research deal with the University of Central Lancashire.

The regional publisher has teamed up with the university’s Department of Journalism and, over the next three years, they will look at the best ways of using digital technology to gather content and how to incorporate this into the newsroom.

The project will also look at how best to distribute information via hard copy, the web or mobile, or by several methods at once.

As part of the £200,000 deal, Johnston Press will fund the newly-created post of Chair in Digital Journalism Development who will work with a research assistant, funded by the university.

Together they will explore new approaches and methods with the aim of taking full advantage of the new opportunities which digital developments offer.

Johnston Press chief executive Tim Bowdler said: “The rapid evolution of digital technology presents huge opportunities and challenges to traditional media companies.

“Johnston Press is determined to take maximum advantage of the new opportunities which digital developments present and our partnership with the University of Central Lancashire will undoubtedly further this aim.”

Mike Ward, head of the university’s Department of Journalism, said the partnership provided a unique opportunity to investigate, challenge and inform development and debate in digital applications.

He said: “By the end of this decade, it’s forecasted there will be up to 1.5 billion computers connected via high-speed broadband and another 2.5 billion phones with more processing power than today’s PCs. This will undoubtedly have major implications for journalists and publishers alike.

“The fruits of the partnership will be relevant, accessible and forward-looking analysis. Together we will produce materials for teaching, knowledge transfer and further research.”

It is planned that the partnership will lead to the formation of an Institute of Digital Journalism, based at the university.