Published in September 2018, the Report analyses the North West’s comparatively poor performance in securing Innovate UK funding since 2007. The Report aims to identify evidence-based insights to inform regional strategy, including business sectors and sub-regions to target, in order to take advantage of new funding opportunities becoming available through the UK Industrial Strategy.

The report includes detailed Science and Innovation Audits (SIAs), which provide insights into the existing and future strengths of the North in science and innovation, the Bio-economy, and offshore renewable energy focusing on Greater Manchester, Cheshire East, the Liverpool City Region, the Sheffield City Region and Lancashire. and.  Full details of the SIAs are provided in Appendix B.