Outlining a vision for innovation in the North

A joint commission, led by Innovate UK working in partnership with the 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships in the North of England. The project goal tested the hypothesis that the North’s innovation assets could achieve greater economic impact if they were better coordinated at the level of the North. It did this by drawing together evidence on the North’s innovation strengths, assets, opportunities and eco-systems, outlining a vision for innovation in the North, and recommending potential pan-Northern coordination arrangements.

The work entailed a rapid review of documents (including Science and Innovation Audits and Strategic Economic Plans), three stakeholder workshops (involving representatives from business, universities, local enterprise partnerships, and research and innovation networks) and 12 one-to-one telephone consultations with senior stakeholders in the North.

The workshops were arranged in partnership with the client, and one-to-one consultations received a personal invitation from the client. This co-production approach ensured high-level participation at short notice. 

The output from the work was a report for LEP chairs and presentation materials.