Member Article

Blackpool has the highest concentration of start-ups in the North West

Research by Cebr for Johnston Press reveals hotspots in research, technology, networking, and creativity to rival the capital.

The first-ever nationwide UK Local Innovation Index, compiled by the Centre for Economics & Business Research for Johnston Press, reveals the extraordinary dynamism and creativity of the nation’s local businesses.

The study brings together 11 discrete data sources under four over-arching pillars – Innovative People, R&D and Technology, Innovative Outputs, and Ideas & Inventions – to give the broadest possible perspective on innovation across the UK, and to illustrate the extent to which towns and cities outside London are shaping the thriving “innovation economy”.

Separately, the study identifies the strongest emerging ‘innovation ecosystems’ based on 7 key innovation ingredients: Connectivity, talent density, living costs, culture & community, universities, government investment and transport mobility.

After London, Greater Manchester tops the UK with the best combination of ingredients for a thriving innovation ecosystem, followed by Merseyside.

Blackpool has the highest concentration of start-ups in the North West.

Cheshire top in the country for business R&D expenditure, a reflection of the location of major science and technology firms.

Merseyside is best in North West for university R&D expenditure, supported by the presence of several leading UK universities.

Senior economist at Cebr, Colm Sheehy, said, “This is the first time that a study of local innovation has been undertaken in the UK.

“Our aim has been to capture innovative activity across the UK in a more holistic way than has been the case for national level indices of innovation.

“Our UK Local Innovation Index encompasses the marketing, networking and organisational innovations that occur across all industries.

“The research has revealed innovation that’s not limited by geography.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .