news
Leaders and innovators gather for the Connected Places Summit
Over 200 speakers and thought leaders from the worlds of transport, the built environment, and cities are set to join the Summit in London and online.
Network Rail Chief Executive Sir Andrew Haines leads a stellar line-up of speakers to kick off the second Connected Places Summit in London today.
Sir Andrew is in conversation with Connected Places Catapult’s Chief Executive, Erika Lewis this morning, exploring the importance of innovation in shaping the future of Britain’s railways.
Their discussion follows a welcome address to delegates from Erika Lewis, who since joining as CEO last year has taken the Catapult and its stakeholders on a journey of renewal, refreshing its strategy and plans for the years ahead. This has also been in response to the Government’s bold mission to kickstart economic growth and raise living standards across the whole United Kingdom.
Read more about the Catapult's plans.
Further high-profile speakers addressing delegates on day one of the Summit include Andrew Barr, President of Hitachi Europe; Steve Rotherham, Mayor of Liverpool Combined Authority; Glasgow City Council Leader Cllr Susan Aitken; Local Authority Advisory & Lending National Wealth Fund Managing Director, Lorna Pimlott; and Cardiff Capital Region’s Chief Executive Kellie Beirne.
Presenters speaking tomorrow include Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate; Dr Michèle Dix of the National Infrastructure Commission; Andy Lord, Commissioner of Transport for London; and Dr. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
This year’s event focuses on how unlocking innovation can help to drive jobs and growth in local and regional economies; with discussions around transport systems, urban planning, digital technologies, and new models of investment.
Delegates will also hear from innovative small to medium sized companies developing new innovative solutions, as well as academics involved in research, and investors looking for the next breakthrough technologies.
Strategic partners for this year’s Connected Places Summit are the Department for Transport and Hitachi. The headline partner is DNV, and supporting partners are Places for London and the Unyte Group. The Summit is supported by Innovate UK.
“The conversations we are about to have will help drive a step-change in how the UK commercialises research and innovation in places with the greatest potential for economic growth. I am looking forward to meeting leaders and innovators from across the UK and beyond with fresh ideas and game changing technologies.
“Only by working together can we unlock the innovations that will create truly connected places.”Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult
