News story: Third wave of the UK’s science and innovation audits published

Wave 3 of the science and innovation audits (SIAs) have been published today, which have identified a number of strengths in different industries across the country. From the marine economy in the Highlands of Scotland to Steel Innovation in South Wales, the SIAs have boosted the country’s understanding of the UK’s scientific and research strengths and the commercial opportunities that exist in different regions.

Opportunities to enhance both industry and research were identified through the SIA process. These include integrating digital technologies into manufacturing processes in the North East to enhance long-term UK competitiveness; and a proposal to develop a ‘living lab’ with Heathrow communities, businesses and experts in ‘connected and automated vehicles’ (CAV) to explore solutions for sustainable airports.

Universities and Science Minister Chris Skidmore said:

We are world-leaders across a range of science and research disciplines, and the SIAs published today show the whole nation contributes to that reputation.

From boosting our cyber security strengths in Worcestershire to improving the sustainability of airports led by Brunel University London, we have much to be proud about and we are committed to building on these strengths and others in our modern Industrial Strategy.

The 12 consortia that have published their SIAs are:

  • Cyber Resilience Alliance (led by Worcestershire LEP with support from The Marches, Gloucestershire and Swindon and Wiltshire LEPs)
  • Maximising the Marine Economy of the Highlands & Islands (Led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise)
  • North West Nuclear Arc Consortium (led by Bangor University with support from Welsh Government and North West England LEPs)
  • North West Coastal Arc Eco-Innovation Partnership (led by Lancaster University with support from North West England LEPs and the Welsh Government)
  • Northern Powerhouse Chemicals & Processing Science (led by Tees Valley Combined Authority with support from North East, Humberside, and Liverpool City Region LEPs)
  • Northern Powerhouse in Health Research (led by Northern Health Science Alliance and includes LEPs, universities and teaching hospitals from across the Northern Powerhouse)
  • The South Wales Crucible (led by Swansea University)
  • Upstream Space (led by UKSA/Scottish Enterprise comprising Scotland; Leicester; Belfast and a corridor between Cambridge and Portsmouth)
  • Precision Medicine Innovation in Scotland (led by the University of Glasgow)
  • Applied Digital Technologies (led by North East LEP)
  • Sustainable Airports (led by Brunel University London, looking at Heathrow)
  • The Knowledge Quarter, London

The science and innovation audits are an important element of the Place foundation in the modern Industrial Strategy that seeks to ensure the UK’s cities, towns and rural areas reach their full potential. The audits, undertaken by universities, businesses, local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) and others, reveal distinct local and regional strengths and opportunities for collaboration across the UK.