West Yorkshire Innovation Network launches

Bringing together innovation support and expertise from across the region, the Mayor of West Yorkshire has officially launched the West Yorkshire Innovation Network (WYIN), with the aim of boosting innovation activity, productivity, and collaboration across the region.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority established the WYIN in June 2020 as a result of the West Yorkshire Devolution Deal and has since been gaining momentum to encourage a greater propensity for businesses to engage in innovation activity.

The WYIN aims to create a collective place to help businesses access support, encourage and nurture innovative ideas and position the region as an innovation hub.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: ‘Innovation is a key driver of economic growth and our recovery. The West Yorkshire Innovation Network is our way of driving that spirit for invention and creativity forward across our region. It cements our partnership with organisations and how we can work together to deliver on our regional priorities, all while developing the most inclusive and diverse ecosystem where innovation truly is for everyone.

‘The Network has made a bright start in launching the first West Yorkshire Innovation Festival and delivering a collaborative response to the Government’s national innovation strategy. There is so much potential in our region and as part of my pledges to support local businesses and to prioritise skills and training, the Network has my full support.’

Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and NP11 Group of Northern LEPs, added: ‘Our region has a wealth of budding innovators who we want to nurture, inspire and support. The West Yorkshire Innovation Network brings together the innovation ecosystem – the support providers and business representatives – not only to align the innovation offer but to ensure businesses receive the right support, whether it’s financial investment, specialist expertise or product development.

‘The Network’s collaborative ambition is to increase innovation activity and provide opportunities to anyone wanting to innovate, so we can establish West Yorkshire as an innovation hub to drive investment and growth.’

In related news, civic and business leaders across the North have put forward a collective partnership offer to government for how the North can lead the UK’s transition to a net zero economy, as part of plans to level up the region.

Photo supplied by Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership