Strong local innovation economies are essential for regional growth, productivity, and equitable economic opportunities.

We tackle the barriers holding regions back including:

  • Limited access to funding for SMEs and regional projects.
  • Complex regulatory environments that hinder innovation.
  • Public sector procurement practices that are not innovation-friendly.

Our focus areas

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Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC)

We help public authorities adopt innovation-friendly procurement practices, unlocking demand for new solutions and driving regional R&D activity.

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UK Innovation Districts Group (UKIDG)

We work with leading innovation districts where businesses, universities, and communities collaborate to tackle society’s biggest challenges, from net zero interventions to AI applications. Our goal is to ensure place-based innovation drives inclusive urban growth.

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3Ci: Cities Commission for Climate Investment

We support local authorities in securing long-term finance for achieving net zero, unlocking £200bn+ in investment opportunities across UK cities.

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Freeport Innovation Network

We support UK Freeports in delivering their innovation objectives, ensuring long-term legacy impact for businesses and communities.

Tale of two cities in boosting local growth through innovation

Delegates flocked to the Connected Places Catapult pavilion at UKREiiF in Leeds for three days of discussion around place…

Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC)
Project

Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC)

The Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre helps public authorities unlock better, faster, greener and more cost-effective outcomes by using procurement as a tool to bring in innovation.
Aspirational public realm
Project

Public Realm Innovation Initiative

Supporting innovation in public spaces—helping to create places that are more inclusive, sustainable, and commercially successful.
Aerial view of the library of Birmingham Baskerville House Centenary
Project

DIATOMIC

DIATOMIC (Digital InnovAtion TransfOrMatIve Change) is designed to accelerate place-based innovation in the West Midlands, harnessing the region’s existing international relationships through a series of targeted initiatives.

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