A delegation of business, trade and treasury senior civil servants have visited the University of York to look at future opportunities for innovation and growth in the region.
Hosted by The York Policy Engine and the Darlington Economic Campus, the visit included a tour of the BioYorkshire lab and the £45million Institute for Safe Autonomy.
It began with a tour of the research facilities at the Centre for Excellence for Anaerobic Digestion (CEAD).
CEAD is a partnership between the University and Yorkshire Water and is part of a £1.2m project to turn waste materials into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser.
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Representatives from six government attended the Wednesday visit, plus David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and University Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery.
Discussion focused on the critical role of research and development (R&D) clusters in stimulating regional economic growth
Professor Jeffery said: “As a sector we have long argued that universities are anchors of economic development for our cities and regions; we provide the expertise and resources to allow innovative ideas to make the leap from concept to reality.
“BioYorkshire is tackling biodiversity loss and climate change by translating research discoveries into full-scale biotechnology applications, leading to investment and job creation in the region.
“Research into novel technologies has long been a focus for York experts, and the Institute for Safe Autonomy demonstrates that in order for the UK to become world leaders in AI, we must focus on all elements, from technical development and safety assurances to ethics and regulation.”
David Skaith said: “York and North Yorkshire have an exciting story to tell when it comes to science and innovation. When we combine the strengths across our universities with our unique capability as a largely rural area, we unlock opportunities for regional economic growth that aren’t yet fully realised.
“As Mayor, I want to ensure that the government know how York and North Yorkshire can contribute to nationally significant issues, such as food security, clean energy and reaching Net Zero targets. Working together as partners, we are ambitious and ready to drive growth regionally that will see our economy and our communities thrive.”
Top civil servants Beth Russell and Jo Crellin from the Treasury’s Darlington Campus said the visit gives the government a chance to listen and learn lessons from the region to influence government policy.
Jo added: “Our presence in Darlington links us into the brilliant research coming out of the region and it's been great to see this innovation in action at the University of York.
"Our modern industrial strategy will focus on the industries of the future and these insights into new technologies will play a critical role in our mission to grow the economy and create opportunities around the country.”
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