Case Studies
Leveraging the University of Sheffield’s Innovation Assets to attract Inward Investment
The University of Sheffield commissioned Deyton Bell to research and evidence the potential to attract inward investment linked to the University’s Innovation assets.
The University’s approach to research is focused upon working collaboratively to translate research into practice, discover novel solutions, commercialise activity, lift productivity, influence policy makers and drive innovation-led investment. The University’s innovation assets and facilities allow businesses to access university research expertise, technology and facilities, and act as drivers for regional inward investment, catalysing high-value cluster growth and providing new training, employment and supply chain opportunities for local businesses and people.
To learn more about this project of how we can help your organisation or economy, get in touch:
Neil Darwin
neildarwin@deytonbell.com
+ 44 (0) 7867 128975
University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)
The University of Sheffield is home to a number of nationally significant Innovation Assets such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), the Nuclear AMRC and the AMRC Training Centre being particularly notable examples. These national exemplar models of advanced collaborative research between academia, industry and government have catalysed a dense clustering of High Value Manufacturing companies across the Sheffield / Rotherham border to create the nationally and globally recognised Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID).
Analyse, identify, assess
Deyton Bell worked with the University and regional stakeholders to review the options available to secure inward investment. We reviewed the range of assets within the University and their potential to attract interest from potential inward investors. We advised on the strategy and the assets which could proactively build commercial relationship which could lead to inward investment. We also produced an Investment Directory which identified potential target companies at global level that aligned with the Innovation assets and could demonstrate expansion plans and strong research credentials. Each company was assessed and aligned with one of the University’s Innovation Assets.
Final report and recommedations:
Our final report contained 3 main recommendations:
Establishing Team South Yorkshire
Establish Team South Yorkshire to ensure that its Innovation Assets make a full contribution towards regional inward investment activity. Ensuring that the University plays an active part will help increase awareness of/position the Innovation Assets more effectively
Developing relationships with existing partners
Ensure Team South Yorkshire works with existing industrial partners to mine supply chain partners that could be attracted to the region
Engaging with new companies
Engage with companies identified in the Investment Directory. This can be addressed by adopting an innovative blend of sales and marketing techniques and further development of a comprehensive proposition
“Deyton Bell provided expert advice as to how we can more effectively use our innovation assets to drive inward investment in South Yorkshire. The team were communicative and flexible, and worked collaboratively to deliver the outputs that we were seeking.”
James Cokeham, Regional Economic Development Manager
More Case Studies
Leveraging the University of Sheffield’s Innovation Assets to attract Inward Investment
Development of an economic growth strategy – Somerset West and Taunton Council
