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…

Digital Construction International Programme (DCIP)
Project

Digital Construction International Programme (DCIP)

The Digital Construction International Programme (DCIP) advances global infrastructure through the adoption of digital construction techniques such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) aligned with international standards.
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 Lab

Supporting innovation in public spaces—helping to create places that are more inclusive, sustainable, and commercially successful.

Related News

A port scene shows cargo ships, trucks, and stacked containers. An airplane is flying overhead against a sunset sky, with city skyscrapers visible in the background.
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£1.8 million awarded to projects at the cutting edge of transport innovation

Shapeshifting trailers and ‘swarm robotics’ are amongst a host of new ideas being chosen to help tackle some of the UK’s most pressing transport challenges, like improving the efficiency of freight and decarbonising maritime.
Call for innovations in public space that can promote healthier lifestyles for young people
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Call for innovations in public space that can promote healthier lifestyles for young people

Up to £25k funding, plus trial support, is available to innovators with ideas for public realm interventions that can improve the health of young people in Barking as part of the Public Realm Innovation Lab.
Black Country businesses dominate list of firms selected for green innovation funding
News

Black Country businesses dominate list of firms selected for green innovation funding

Ten West Midlands based businesses have been chosen to develop their solutions through the Clean Futures Accelerator programme – with eight based in the Black Country.