UP North – Innovative thinking from the North to unlock a more prosperous future for all

NZN: Skills and Productivity

UP North – Innovative thinking from the North to unlock a more prosperous future for all

A public events series bring together thought leaders from the public, private and academic sectors to discuss the unique contribution the North of England can make to a range of challenges the UK faces, and deliver on the promise of unlocking prosperity and closing regional divides. Hosted by the universities of the N8 Research Partnership, in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

 

UP North: Innovative thinking from the North to unlock a more prosperous future for all encompasses a series of public events, inviting regional and national policymakers, local experts, and renowned commentators to discuss the unique contribution the North of England can make to a range of challenges the UK faces, and deliver on the promise of unlocking prosperity and closing regional divides.

The events, hosted across the North of England by the N8’s member universities in the build-up to the next general election, are chaired by significant regional figures including Jennifer Williams, Northern England correspondent for the Financial Times.

 

Upcoming Events

 

There are no upcoming events at this time.

 

Previous Events

The first UP North event was hosted by the University of York in June as part of the York Festival of Ideas, and examined the need for a new approach to urban regeneration through inclusive growth and by harnessing the power of major employer institutions, education providers and social enterprise to deliver more equitable and inclusive economic outcomes for everyone.

The second event in the series was hosted by the University of Liverpool in October, as part of the fringe programme at the Labour Party Conference, and considered how to level up living standards through tackling digital exclusion and closing the ‘digital divide’.

In November, the University of Sheffield hosted a day of debates at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Factory 2050 facility on the opportunities and challenges for Innovation-led Growth.

In December, the opportunities and challenges associated with Transforming Coastal Communities was the focus of the event hosted in Morecambe by Lancaster University.

As we moved into 2024, the University of Leeds hosted a high profile panel discussion – chaired by Sky News’ Gillian Joseph – on the challenges for Developing a Sustainable Health and Social Care Workforce.

In February, Durham University hosted a day of events focusing on creativity and cultural regeneration. The ‘Culture + Knowledge’ Ideas Forum and panel discussion focused on growing opportunities in the North East and beyond.

In March, Newcastle University hosted a panel discussion as part of its Experience Week, focussed on the N8 priority theme of Child of the North and how we can harnessing research to drive fairer, flourishing futures for young people.

Also in March, the University of Manchester welcomed a panel of experts from academia, think tanks and the third sector to discuss the important topic of Why are health outcomes grim up north?

  • Coverage of the event coming soon

 

Dr Annette Bramley, Director of the N8 Research Partnership, said:

“We’re looking forward to bringing the UP North series of events to venues right across the North, and for the fantastic range of contributors they will bring together to spark conversation about the North’s role in regenerating the country’s communities and economy at this critical time.

“Through research and innovation, Northern universities will play a key role in unlocking prosperity within the region, and we hope our UP North events will inspire both people and businesses to think about how together we can contribute to addressing inequalities and realising a more prosperous future for all.”

The RSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Andy Haldane, said:

“We’re very pleased to be able to be partnering with the N8 Research Partnership on this calendar of events across the North of England. This is a hugely important time for the economy, and for the Levelling Up agenda. By combining our forces on this programme, the RSA and the N8 can help to make sure that the cause of addressing regional inequalities is taken seriously across the board in the run-up to a general election. Too often, the needs of the North of England are not given a fair hearing, and this series is part of an attempt to remedy that.”

 

Logos of the N8 Research Partnership and RSA