The Power of 8 - Knowledge, Innovation and Growth for the North

N8 universities are closely identified with their

host cities and play a vital role in supporting

and regenerating the regional economy.

Whereas other industries may relocate, and

government regional policies and industrial

strategies may change, the N8 universities

remain anchors in their communities -

providing a core of economic stability,

employment and continuity even as other

industries may grow or contract around them.

Innovation - the translation of novel ideas and knowledge into

commercial and societal benefit - is at the heart of how we

generate economic impact from our research. N8 universities

have a strong track record of innovation.

N8 universities convert their world-class research expertise and

breakthrough technologies into new and growing businesses.

Since 2010, N8 universities have generated more than 1,000

patents and 230 companies and social enterprises, in addition

to more than 350 student start-ups. Nine of those companies

are valued at over £1 million and two listed on the AIM. This

pipeline of new companies is vital if we want to grow a Northern

economy based on innovation, high-skills and high-growth

companies. Promoting and supporting our entrepreneurs,

researchers and students to develop and grow their ideas

brings economic benefit across the region, for example:

Durham University established Kromek, listed on the AIM,

that has created over 100 jobs in the UK and at two sites in

the US, and Applied Graphene Materials has created over 40

high-tech jobs in the North East.

Lancaster University developed a novel process for

application of jasmonates to crop seeds rather than leaves.

Following licensing to BASF and further development of the

technology it is now used globally. For example, in the US for

soybean crops, it has been used on over 2.5 million hectares

of fields resulting in an increased yield and value at the farm

gate of approximately $60 million p.a.

Delivering innovation for industrial success

N8 universities contribute to the Northern innovation economy by:

Developing the

next generation

of business

entrepreneurs

Creating new

businesses

Innovating to grow

existing businesses

Establishing research

hubs that support key

industrial sectors