The Government has commissioned a tech-led pilot programme to assemble innovation clusters across the North West, aiming to accelerate regional development and harness investment opportunities.
A central government initiative has engaged a leading regional tech organisation to launch a pilot cluster programme, targeting emerging companies and innovative start-ups within digital, advanced manufacturing, and green-tech sectors.
The programme is being framed as a catalyst for economic growth. Early estimates suggest it could generate over £140 million in co-investment and support the creation of around 250 full‑time equivalent jobs in the region.
Strategic ambition
Designed to strengthen the area’s innovation ecosystem, the programme seeks to emulate successful innovation hubs by connecting businesses, investors and academia, and fostering collaboration on cutting‑edge projects.
According to the official announcement:
“We are working to build a thriving innovation cluster that brings together businesses, investors and academic institutions. This pilot will help to unlock significant co‑investment and create jobs in the North West.”
These remarks, attributed to a spokesperson for the appointed tech group, underline the twin goals of economic development and skills growth.
Levelling-up in action
This pilot programme exemplifies the government’s ongoing ‘levelling-up’ agenda, channeling resources into regional innovation to narrow the North–South disparity.
By leveraging existing tech networks, the scheme underlines a move away from top‑down funding towards more dynamic, market-driven collaboration with the private sector.
The projected co-investment and job creation targets will serve as key indicators. If met, the model could be replicated in other regions across the UK.
The current pilot in the North West is set to run for 12-18 months, with expected quarterly progress updates.
Stakeholders from industry, universities, councils and investors will be invited to contribute to the cluster’s design and execution.
A government review is planned upon pilot completion, to assess scalability and potential national rollout.