Member Article

Northern Way invests in revolutionary technology

The North East is to receive a £5.5m investment to help establish the region as a pioneer in revolutionary plastic electronics technology. The Northern Way collaboration of One NorthEast, the North West Development Agency and Yorkshire Forward made the pledge today at the North East Economic Forum at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield.

The investment will contribute to a £9million Plastic Electronics Technology Centre (PETeC) based at NETPark in County Durham. The Northern Way say that the centre will have capability to manufacture “flexible” technology only previously seen in science fiction movies. It will provide specialised facilities and expertise to companies seeking to develop new products and services for use in a wide range of markets.

Neville Chamberlain, Chairman of The Northern Way, also provided event delegates with an update on how the Regional Development Agencies are progressing in their mission to bring about a northern renaissance through collaboration. He said a strong start had been made in influencing key regional decision-makers about the need to work together to ensure the North can compete in the ‘global league’.

Mr Chamberlain said: “Our biggest competitors are not the towns and cities down the road, are not the regions next door, not even the South East giant. Our biggest competitors are in Europe, America and now more than ever the economies of the East. “We have to work together to play in the global league. That’s what the Northern Way vision is all about. It’s about fostering collaboration to enable us to compete and influence decision makers - from large corporations and innovative entrepreneurs to government ministers and regional and local leaders to put their assets and resources towards our common goal.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .