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N8 universities contribute to the Northern innovation economy in many ways; establishing new
businesses, innovating to grow existing businesses, developing hubs in key industrial sectors,
and developing the next generation of entrepreneurs. However, the regional and national
economy remains in need of innovation-led growth, and long-term resilience. The universities
have a key role to play. What would enable innovation in the North to flourish?
> An agreed Northern Strategy for Innovation.
This would make regional collaborations easier and ensure
funds align to greatest opportunity and benefit. As a first step,
N8 proposes the establishment of a Northern Innovation Forum
bringing together the key players - including Innovate UK, LEPs,
Government, and N8 - to agree a coordinated strategy for
supporting Northern Innovation.
> The North needs streamlined processes
and greater funding for ensuring ease of
SME interaction with research-intensive
universities.
The vast majority of businesses in the region are SMEs and
include many high growth businesses. A business-focussed
Northern Innovation Fund, that SMEs could access to partner
with multinationals and universities, could deliver major impact.
> N8 should seek to build further cross-
sectoral Innovation Communities
.
By supporting companies and research institutes to promote
growth in areas of identified region-wide strengths, N8 will
seek to gain national government or research council funding
for pan-Northern innovation ‘hotspots’ and collaboration
programmes, and for flagship centres such as Catapults.
> Development of a pan-Northern, cross-
sectoral approach to skills for economic
growth.
This could increase graduate attraction and retention, and could
promote enterprise and entrepreneurship within the wider
community. City leaders, LEPs, local and national government,
and universities, would need to develop a coordinated vision.