Sheffield Innovation Spine Joins the UK’s Leading Peer Network of Innovation Districts and Knowledge Quarters
UK Innovation Districts Group Members gather for the annual UK IDG Summit
Sheffield Innovation Spine has joined the UK Innovation Districts Group. The membership plugs the Spine directly into a powerful peer-to-peer ecosystem of place-based leaders; dedicated to sharing best practices, driving inclusive innovation and leading the national conversation on innovation-led economic growth.
In an era of significant political, economic, social and technological change at home and overseas, the value of a collaborative national network cannot be overstated. By uniting localised hubs of expertise and capabilities, UK IDG enables members to pool data, influence national policy, and speak with a collective voice that champions the role of innovation districts in driving UK productivity and delivering the national industrial strategy.
Sheffield Innovation Spine is a prime example of this impactful work in action. Developing as an innovation district in the heart of Sheffield city centre, the Spine is connecting Sheffield’s academic, commercial and community assets. Delivered through a partnership with purpose between the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Sheffield Technology Parks, the Spine is actively creating the infrastructure and ecosystem needed to attract and retain high-value businesses, commercialise world-class research, and seed sustainable economic growth across the North.
Charlotte Thompson, Director of Sheffield Innovation Spine, highlighted the strategic importance of the Membership: "Sheffield Innovation Spine is an energised, urban innovation district in the centre of Sheffield. Membership with UK IDG puts us at the heart of the national conversation - influencing policy, sharing data and best practice, and learning from other leading places.
“The Spine is a hot spot for world class research, knowledge-led businesses, collaboration and specialist spaces. We are designing for density in Sheffield city centre and our rate of change is really exciting. We've recently launched an investment prospectus with development opportunities and partner backed incentives for several city centre sites.
“Joining UK IDG now connects us with a thriving ecosystem of innovation districts and knowledge quarters to learn from and share with as we build our pipeline of businesses, attract investment, connect our communities, and set the conditions for inclusive innovation-led growth.”
Welcoming the newest member, Emma Frost, Chair of UK IDG, said: "We are thrilled to onboard Sheffield Innovation Spine to our growing network. Sheffield’s collaborative approach to knowledge-share and partnership working and their deep-rooted history of industry, invention and ingenuity makes them a fantastic addition to the network. We have been working with Charlotte and South Yorkshire colleagues representing the region’s unique set of innovation assets for a number of years and this Membership formalises the next phase of that relationship. It shines a light on Sheffield city centre’s 190 acre innovation district - connecting five mixed-used neighborhoods and bookended by two world class universities. On behalf of our Members, we are looking forward to working closely with Sheffield Innovation Spine as we share best practice and crucial insights, gather evidence, shape national policy and demonstrate how innovation districts can drive meaningful, inclusive economic progress across the UK."
UK IDG is a connected and unifying peer network, bringing people together to speak with one voice about their shared mission; tackling society’s biggest challenges through place based innovation.
Impact focused, open and equitable, UK IDG demonstrates the power of peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange. Testing, experimenting and learning from doing. This is how UK IDG Members deliver real change for places and for people.
Sheffield Innovation Spine is a member of the UK Innovation Districts Group. Learn more about the membership and the innovation districts and knowledge quarters across the UK that are leading the national conversation here.