Today, the Smart Specialisation Hub project co-delivered by the National Centre published its second Annual Report. The Hub – a place-based innovation intelligence resource, funded by Government to bring together analysis of local capability, best practice and strategic insight – has assembled a series of case studies, policy reflections and data visualisations to showcase where innovation is taking place, collaborations are forming and world-leading specialisms are emerging.
Dr David Docherty, Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Universities and Business, said:
“In the context of Brexit, the Industrial Strategy and UKRI it’s more important than ever to be able to articulate the innovation strengths of places and make a compelling case for investment. The Smart Specialisation Hub’s work sits at the junction of university-business collaboration and commercialisation, which is a natural fit for the ambitions of the National Centre; and its observatory of data for each of England’s Local Enterprise Partnerships – and its ability to reflect the needs of localities up to national Government – make it a powerful tool. I hope readers of this Report will take the opportunity to engage with the Hub and explore how it can support their activity.”
In the context of the place-based elements of the Industrial Strategy, the Hub is looking forward to ever deeper engagement with local stakeholders – Local Enterprise Partnerships, universities, combined authorities and more – to help deliver on the Strategy’s ambitions and support the conversion of our world-class research into the productivity that will drive growth in the UK.
Notes
The Smart Specialisation Hub is co-delivered by the National Centre for Universities and Business and the Knowledge Transfer Network, and is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Innovate UK and technical assistance through the European Regional Development Fund to deliver place-based innovation intelligence and support for England.
For further information please contact:
Shivaun Meehan Head of Communications
Stakeholder and Communications Manager, konfer
Share this article
