Responding to the Government’s new Industrial Strategy, Dr Annette Bramley, Director of the N8 Research Partnership, said:
“The N8 Research Partnership welcomes the new Industrial Strategy and its clear recognition of universities as central to the UK’s innovation ecosystem.
“We see every day how R&D investment transforms regions: driving new businesses, high-value jobs, and attracting global talent. Coupled with the recent £86 billion commitment to R&D in tech, life sciences, manufacturing, and defence, the steps taken in this strategy signal real intent to link world-class research with local economic growth.
“Elsewhere in this strategy, support for clusters in Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire – through Local Innovation Partnerships and Cluster Champions – is a positive development
“We also welcome better alignment of funding and skills policy with future needs. N8 universities are ready to help close skills gaps in AI, biotech, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.
“We will continue working closely with government, industry, and local partners to build thriving, equitable industrial ecosystems across the North. With the right policy framework and sustained investment, northern universities will not just be contributors to the UK’s innovation strategy but critical to its successful delivery.”
To find out more about how the N8 universities are not only major drivers of economic growth in the North of England but deliver exceptional value for the UK as a whole, read the full London Economics report here: https://www.n8research.org.uk/media/LE-Economic-impact-of-N8-universities-Final-Report.pdf
To access case studies demonstrating N8 universities’ contribution to economic growth, please visit: https://www.n8research.org.uk/work-with-us/regional-growth/kickstart-economic-growth/