Review confirms Manchester as key science and innovation hub

A report published today by New Economy finds that Manchester’s concentration of world-class scientific strength is well positioned to support the government’s ambitions to boost the effectiveness of government funded science and research activity.

The landmark review of Manchester’s science and innovation capacity, chaired by NESTA Chief Executive Jonathan Kestenbaum, and carried out by SQW, reported on how Manchester’s research and innovation assets align with the research priorities of government departments and national research councils.

The Report found that:

• Manchester has the density of world class scientific strength in areas similar to those in which government departments and national research councils invest;
• The reports highlights the unique combination of assets along Corridor Manchester which include the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, NHS Hospitals, incubator and science park facilities;
• Science investment is vital in driving the future growth of the Manchester economy and this in turn would play a meaningful role in the further development of the UK’s scientific base and driving the growth needed to secure a robust economic recovery; and
• The report looks at how relocation decisions are taken and concludes that both in principle and in practice, there should be scope for more intensive conversations about how these could be taken forward in ways which would benefit Manchester and thereby the UK.

The Report also notes that research organisations within Manchester were responsible for almost 6% of all UK research publications between 2006 and 2008. 40% of these were produced with foreign collaborators, indicating the quality and depth of work.

New Economy’s Chief Executive Mike Emmerich said: “This Report confirms that Manchester should be considered a prime location for R&D investments and Public Sector Research Establishments. In this respect, the City is very well placed to support the current government’s ambitions in rebalancing the UK economy and laying the groundwork for building a sustainable science and R&D infrastructure. He added “The findings of the Review will undoubtedly help shape our emerging science and innovation strategy and certainly aid us in our conversations with central government, especially in conveying the importance of Manchester in furthering national science and innovation policy”.

The Science Review can be found here.

Ends

Notes to Editors

For further information please contact Liz Reuben Head of Communications , New Economy on 0161 237 4179 or 07525 392369.

• New Economy’s purpose is to create economic growth and prosperity for the people of Greater Manchester. We are committed to working with our partners to lead, influence and innovate; creating a better economy. From strategy to research, project management and consultancy, everything we do has one aim in mind. To make Greater Manchester a better place to live and work.
• New Economy is one of the six Association of Greater Manchester Authorities Commissions, established in 2009. New Economy works with the ten local authorities across Greater Manchester and our key partners to: Develop economic intelligence; Help create jobs and improve skills; Save money and increase efficiencies; Increase investment and enterprise ; and Play our part in reducing carbon emissions.

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Growth and Prosperity for Manchester