The North East of England has long been at the heart of the UK’s innovation journey, evolving from its industrial roots to becoming a leader in renewable energy and technology. We look into the region’s dynamic developments and explore how innovation is shaping its present and future.
The North East of England has always had a special place in the UK’s economic story. Historically, it was the birthplace of the railways and a leader in shipbuilding and coal production, helping drive the Industrial Revolution.
Today, the region continues to play a big part in Britain’s innovation economy. Not only is the North East one of the UK’s leaders in the transition to renewable energy, but it is also home to some of its smartest cities and global-leading businesses across a number of sectors, including advanced manufacturing and engineering, life-sciences and tech industries. The economy is worth over £40bn and that is thanks to the region’s commitment to fostering innovation and a highly skilled workforce.
The North East also has four prestigious universities (Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, and Teesside) that work closely with the region’s businesses to help them develop new ideas, skills and ultimately drive innovation further. The 71,000 individual businesses have recently outperformed every region outside of London in job creation, driven by growth in sectors like advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.
But while that’s the North East’s history, the real question is: What is it becoming? And the answer is something even bigger and exciting.
Advanced Technology
Over the past decade, Sunderland Software City has been a forerunner in supporting the North East’s tech talent and helping to develop startups and spinouts. Their expert team runs tailored programmes, such as Accelerate and Tech Startup Sunderland, and events that connect founders and tech professionals with the networks, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive. With multiple cohorts benefiting each year, this initiative has helped boost the region’s tech ecosystem and looks set to continue.
Space Research
Durham University’s £5 million Space Research Centre, which opened in November, is another exciting development. Its mission is to drive innovation and sustainability in space exploration, strengthening the region’s growing space industry and fostering home-grown talent. We will certainly be keeping an eye on its development and the genuine impact it will have on the sector.
Path to Net Zero Leadership
Finally, and perhaps most significantly, as the UK works toward its Net Zero 2050 goal, the North East will play a key role in the renewable, low-carbon energy sector. Over the next 10 years, the region’s industrial landscape is set for transformation, which could solidify the North East’s position not only as a UK leader but also as a global player.
The innovation that develops during this time, and its impact, is what we’re most excited to see.
One key initiative set for completion this year is the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub. This project focuses on developing and testing hydrogen-powered vehicles, infrastructure, and technologies.
Another project currently in the planning and development stage is Net Zero Teesside (NZT). This initiative will work on creating carbon capture and storage technologies to reduce emissions from heavy industry. Some of these emissions are also expected to be repurposed for the production of blue and green hydrogen products.
And if that wasn’t enough, there were plans unveiled at the end of 2024 for a £1 billion battery storage facility in the North East, which promises to provide another significant boost to the region’s growing renewable energy sector.
The North East is moving forward at an incredible pace, with innovation continuing to drive growth across industries from space to renewable energy and technology. We’re thrilled to be in the middle of all this progress, supporting the companies driving change and helping them reach their innovation goals.
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