February 2017

Director's Update - What next for the North?

Welcome to the Spring issue of the N8 Research Partnership Newsletter.

In this issue, we have focussed on important progress in understanding current innovation assets in the North, and how to use these to grow a new Northern economy.

Firstly, I am delighted to see this month, recognition in the Northern Lights Awards of N8 Research Partnership as ‘University Organisation of the Year’ for 2017. It is pleasing that the judges recognised the strength of pan-Northern collaboration of the eight major universities, our economic impact, and the N8’s commitment to policy and innovation helping to build the Northern Powerhouse.

N8’s programmes of collaboration and innovation continue to progress well, and we highlight this month the work of the N8 Policing Research partnership, in particular their innovative co-production of research questions and solutions with major front-line policing partners.

Science & Innovation Audit reports covering six topics, will deliver a strong evidence base to understand hot-spots of strength within the Northern Powerhouse Capabilities: in advanced materials and manufacturing, health innovation, energy, and digital.

I argue in a blog piece in this issue how timely it is to articulate clearly our core economic and innovation strengths as the government develops its early sector-focussed deals within the new Industrial Strategy. Also the recent Northern Powerhouse conference highlighted the potential to reinvent Northern economy through investment in infrastructure and in the key capability areas – and featured a clear reminder to all that we must utilise all the talents of the North to achieve this.

N8 has made some organisational changes - I am delighted to welcome the recent appointments of Professor Chris Day to the N8 Board, and Professor David Petley and Professor Lisa Roberts to the N8 Executive Management Group, along with the appointment of Professor Steve Decent as the new Chair of the N8 Executive Management Group.

As members of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership programme with government, the N8 universities is working to play a key role in Northern economic policy. I welcome those who want to work with us to build a successful future for the economy of the Northern region, to contact me for more information, or to get involved in our programmes.

Dr Peter Simpson
Director, N8 Research Partnership