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…

Infrastructure Industry Innovation Partnership (i3P)
Project

Infrastructure Industry Innovation Partnership (i3P)

Join the i3P community to drive the future transformation of the infrastructure and construction industry.
Digital Construction Exports Group (DCEG)
Project

Digital Construction Exports Group (DCEG)

The Digital Construction Exports Group (DCEG) was formed to promote the UK’s excellence in digital construction to maximise the UK’s export opportunity, estimated to be worth £11.5bn , to the infrastructure sector by leveraging its digital leadership.
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.

Related News

Funding available to trial freight and logistics innovations
News

Funding available to trial freight and logistics innovations

Up to £110k and access to expert business support is available to innovators with ideas to tackle the sector’s biggest challenges.
An aerial view of a docked ship in a port
News

Search begins for innovators to make maritime operations greener

The new Ideas Elevator – Maritime Decarbonisation programme is set to support innovators with very early-stage business ideas in the maritime sector.
Chief Scientific Adviser celebrates five transport innovators
News

Chief Scientific Adviser celebrates five transport innovators

Exceptional start-up firms participating in the Transport Research and Innovation Grants programme were recognised at the Connected Places Summit.