Keele University is part of one of the UK Government’s 12 new regional science and innovation audits (SIAs) to develop a new approach to regional economic development. 

The Science Minister, Jo Johnson, last week announced the North West Coastal Arc Eco-Innovation Science and Innovation Audit as part of the Wave 3 of the SIAs during his speech at the Higher Education Funding Council (England) Conference. 

Keele University will work with partner universities, businesses and other institutions, such as Local Enterprise Partnerships, to analyse the region’s research and innovation strengths and identify mechanisms for the area to become world leading in the development of low carbon and eco-innovative products, processes and services.

Dr Mark Bacon, Director of Research, Innovation and Engagement at Keele University, said:

"Keele University is proud to be part of the North West Coastal Arc Eco-Innovation Science and Innovation Audit which will undoubtedly create new prospects for businesses across the region through research and innovation.

“The Audit brings together a world-class team of universities, businesses, Local Enterprise Partnerships and local and regional government across the North West of England, North West Midlands and North Wales."

Science Minister, Jo Johnson, said: “Now in its third wave, the Science and Innovation Audits are providing valuable insight into the ground-breaking work taking place across the UK and the contributions we are making to solve challenges across the world.

“The work of the successful regions undertaking their SIA in this wave will support the development and delivery of our Industrial Strategy and allow local places to build on their strengths.  This will ensure that the UK remains competitive in the global market and is best placed to continue leading scientific discoveries and taking them to market.”

About the Consortium

The founding consortium of the North West Coastal Arc Eco-Innovation Science and Innovation Audit includes all the region’s LEPs (Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire, Liverpool City, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire), the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and the Mersey-Dee Alliance, together with companies of all sizes, and across a wide range of sectors.  It brings together the complementary research strengths of nine regional universities, Lancaster, Liverpool (both members of the N8 partnership), Bangor, Chester, Cumbria, Edge Hill, Keele, Liverpool, John Moores (LMJU), and University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and other national research assets, together with Further Education (e.g. Lancashire’s Energy HQ at Blackpool & The Fylde College, Myerscough College).