New Manchester Innovation Group Announced

The new body, that will be called the Manchester Innovation Group, will oversee innovation strategy and policy for the city-region and secure its implementation. The move is a reflection of the growing importance of innovation as part of the overarching Greater Manchester Strategy.

The primary objectives of the group are to guide the development and implementation of innovation across the city region, to continue to promote Manchester as a knowledge city and to increase the rate of innovation and knowledge based activity to drive Manchester forward as a global Innovation hub.

Membership of the new group will include representatives of both private and public sector organisations and universities from the existing groups and Jane Davies, CEO of Manchester Science Park, has been nominated as Chairman.

Both organisations will retain their current management structures and continue their day-to-day roles .

Dr Cathy Garner, CEO of Manchester: Knowledge Capital said,
“Manchester City Region is shaping its future, and this development is an important move. Many cities are recognising the importance of innovation in driving forward economic growth and social improvement. Manchester is at the forefront of innovation policy, and the creation of this group of demonstrates that once again the city is leading the way.“

Mike Emmerich, CEO of the Commission for the New Economy said :
“ This is a very positive development and another example of the City Region pooling its talents to benefit all. The merging of the two groups will bring the city region’s leadership on innovation policy into one area to expand and diversify the city region’s economic base and thereby support our economic growth ambitions.”

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