Published in November 2016, the Wave 1 Summary Reports forms part of the Science and Innovation Audit (SIA) to provide a deeper understanding of the UK’s potential global competitive advantage. The UK is a global leader in research and innovation and produces 6.4% of all scientific publications. In Autumn 2015, the UK Government announced SIAs to catalyse a new approach to regional economic development. The five consortia to undertake the first SIAs were Edinburgh and the South East Scotland City Region, Greater Manchester and East Cheshire, the Midlands Engine, Sheffield City Region and Lancashire, and South West England and South East Wales.

Wave 1 Summary Reports is one of three waves working with consortia which represents a range of approaches to scale, geography and sectors across the UK to create an evidence base that will inform future work locally, regionally and nationally. The SIAs have created a platform for stakeholders across regions to come together to identify opportunities for growth.