A place of innovation and digital expertise
As we reach
the end of the financial year, we are met with another key milestone and time
for reflection - a year on from the first lockdown - as we remember all of those
who have sadly lost their lives during the pandemic.
Back in
January’s newsletter, I introduced plans for a new collaborative public-private partnership - Innovation Greater Manchester (GM) which was part of GM’s Economic Vision to ‘Build Back Better’ from the pandemic.
I’m now pleased
to say this has now been officially announced at this pivotal moment as a blueprint for
recovery and with an aim to create £7 billon economic benefit and 100,000 jobs.
Innovation GM - a key pillar of the city region’s
Economic Vision to deliver a fairer, greener and more productive GM beyond the
pandemic - is backed by innovation leaders across business, science, academia and
local government. It aims to boost R&D investment in key sectors including advanced
materials and manufacturing, health innovation, digital and creative, and clean
growth.
As part of an innovation ‘super cluster’, businesses will be
supported to grow and drive economic development, resulting in updated skills,
good employment and new opportunities for inward investment and international trade to
address global challenges, including climate change. For more information you
can read the full press release here.
This month, MIDAS and partners have been showcasing some of these
key areas of innovation excellence at the Manchester Innovation Virtual Mission
which attracted businesses from the US, Europe and beyond and next month we look
forward to demonstrating what makes Manchester a leading hub for tech and
digital transformation at Manchester’s Digital City Festival on the 21st
and 22nd April.
We hope to see you there.
Tim Newns
Chief Executive Officer
