In a time of austerity and uncertainty, collaborative working is crucial in delivering positive change at national and local levels. The Industrial Strategy, through its use of 5 foundations of productivity – ideas, people, infrastructure, business environment and places, aims to foster collaborations between business, academia, the public sector and civil society to deliver this transformational change across the UK.

This two-day conference will bring together research organisations, policy makers, industry representatives and civil society to debate how the needs of end users can be integrated into Industrial Strategies from international and national, to regional and local levels. Through keynote speeches, presentation-led sessions, workshops and round table discussions we aim to strengthen existing partnerships and build new collaborations, to ensure the successful delivery of local Industrial Strategies that are aligned to civic needs.

Day one will examine this at a national level, considering the strategic elements of the Industrial Strategy, particularly in relation to productivity, people and the underpinning research needs. We will examine government and wider stakeholder needs before considering the role of university research in supporting these areas. Specific elements of the Industrial Strategy, such as the Grand Challenges, will then begin to be examined in greater depth.

Day two will then look to how these national strategies are being integrated into action on a regional and local level. Key local and regional stakeholders will come together to examine how they can collaboratively respond to local needs and contribute to a local mission oriented industrial strategy.

This conference is organised and supported by:

• The Centre for Industrial Energy, Materials and Products (CIE-MAP)
• The Cities Theme at the University of Leeds
• Leeds Social Sciences Institute (LSSI) – With financial support through the ESRC IAA DTP Business Boost fund

See programme

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