Building local capacity for innovation-led economic renewal
I've dedicated close to a decade investigating how and why innovation ecosystems flourish in some places and flounder in others, building a deep knowledge base through research, analysis, and direct engagement with leading cities.
During my time at Connected Places Catapult, in collaboration with practitioners and leading researchers, I produced a series of analytical and practical resources for public and private sector leaders to equip them as stewards of the economic potential of their cities and regions. These include a review of more than 30 global ‘hubs of innovation’ to identify common features and different typologies, a six-step playbook for place leaders looking to seed, scale or sustain an innovation ecosystem, and tailored recommendations for cohorts of cities on similar development trajectories.
Equipping leaders to translate insight into application
To help leaders put these insights into practice, I developed and led the Innovation Places Leadership Academy (IPLA). Over two cohorts I supported 30 individuals from local government, universities, local enterprise partnerships and other allied organisations across seven areas of the UK. Through IPLA I built a network of empowered place leaders capable of transforming their regions into thriving innovation hubs. By fostering collaboration, providing strategic guidance, and facilitating access to knowledge and networks, I helped to unlock the full potential of UK regional innovation.
Participant testimonials highlight the programme's transformative impact on their leadership and local innovation ecosystems.
