The N8 Research Partnership welcomes Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s appointment and the announcement of No. 10 North, as a significant opportunity to strengthen the role of research and innovation in driving economic growth, investment and public service reform across the North of England.
Devolution, regional growth and strengthening place-based decision-making align strongly with the objectives of the Northern Growth Strategy and with the role of the North’s research-intensive universities in supporting national prosperity.
N8 also welcomes the appointments of the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, and the Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP as Secretary of State for Education, and looks forward to working with them on the contribution that research, innovation, skills and universities can make to growth across the North and the wider UK.
Dr Colin Tattam, Director of the N8 Research Partnership, said:
“The announcement of No. 10 North is a welcome signal that the UK’s future prosperity depends on connecting the strengths of every part of the country. As the partnership of the North of England’s eight most research-intensive universities, the N8 is well placed to support the Government’s ambitions.
“Our world-class research, innovation and talent are rooted in universities that are deeply connected to the communities and places they serve, already working with mayoral authorities, industry and civic partners, connecting capability and turning regional strengths into national outcomes.
“Linking our complementary strengths and creating partnerships at scale is a real opportunity for investable propositions that deliver economic growth and tangible benefits for people and communities.”
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and Chair of the N8 Board, said:
“The N8 partnership generates world-leading research, highly skilled talent, and works alongside industry on innovation, addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.
“The Government’s clear commitment to regional growth creates an opportunity to think differently about how national prosperity is built, strengthening individual cities and regions while also connecting complementary strengths across the North.
“Research and innovation should be viewed alongside transport, digital and skills infrastructure as fundamental enablers of growth. With the right partnerships and long-term ambition, the North can play an even greater role in driving economic growth, improving lives and supporting the UK’s international competitiveness.”