Kevin Baughan responds to Geography of Innovation report

“Just as it is important that research, innovation and commercialisation is developed across all parts of the economy, so is it important to society that it is now developed right across all parts of the UK. That’s the benefit of an organisation like Innovate UK in both responding to the innovation needs of businesses wherever they are located as well as developing the strengths of local areas in the pursuit of the global markets of the future.

“How do we approach the ambition of accelerating economic growth and productivity locally and regionally? How do we avoid fragmentation and duplication? Innovate UK and the Research Councils have a very powerful role they can play in that process by looking at the evidence that emerges from their previous investments, to create a geographic picture right across the UK. If we can see where businesses and universities are investing, we can see where our economy is heading and how we are thinking about the future; not just as it was in the past. This lets everyone involved in technology and innovation have a very different, evidence based discussion about local and regional economic growth and how it can be supported to get the biggest impact.”