The Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine have had their share of the headlines when it comes to regional business growth. This new study by SQW, leaders in the field of innovation and economic analysis whose previous studies include The Cambridge Phenomenon and the Oxfordshire Innovation Engine, identifies Bristol & Bath as one of the most exciting innovation clusters in the UK. It concludes that “with its pace of development and potential going forward, the Bristol and Bath city region is well placed to become a global innovation force in the future”. It could, their analysis suggests, aspire to follow in the foot-steps of North American tech powerhouses like Seattle or Boston.

Presentation of the Report will be followed by a panel debate on the prospects for the Bristol & Bath Innovation Cluster and the opportunity to discuss its findings.

Itinerary

4pm: Registration & networking, refreshments

4.20pm: Welcome by Professor Martin Boddy, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, University of the West of England

4.30pm: SQW unveils the findings of the report – Christine Doel, Director, SQW and co-author of the Report

4.50: Debate and discussion commences, led by Peter Evans, Enterprise Editor, Sunday Times.

5.30pm: Concluding remarks. Drinks and canapes

Panel includes:

Chair: Peter Evans, Enterprise Editor, The Sunday Times;
Laura Lafave, Chief Technology Officer, OnCorps;
Clare Reddington, Creative Director & CEO, Watershed;
Martin Sadler OBE, Special Advisor to the Vice Chancellor on Industrial Strategy, University of Bristol;
Dr. Zara Nanu, Gapsquare;
Becky Sage, CEO, Interactive Scientific.

The Bristol & Bath Innovation Cluster