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Midlands Innovation welcomes the publication of the Midlands Engine strategy

WMGCommenting on the Government’s publication of the Midlands Engine strategy, the Chair of Midlands Innovation, Professor Sir David Greenaway, said:

“We welcome the launch of the Government’s ambitious strategy for the Midlands Engine. The Midlands has unique strengths and the potential to achieve more, and the strategy clearly recognises this.

Midlands Innovation universities will play a critical role in supporting the delivery of the Midlands Engine strategy.”

As a world-class university research and innovation partnership, Midlands Innovation pools the collective excellence of universities in the Midlands to power growth across the region. We led the delivery of one of the first Science and Innovation Audits for the region and are delighted that it has been adopted by the Midlands Engine’s Innovation group.

Our partnership is already making a difference, helping create world-class centres of excellence – such as the Energy Research Accelerator, a £250 million vision to help shape the UK’s energy future. In addition we are working with Government and leading industrial partners from across the region on a major new transport technology initiative. In partnership with business, the Transport Innovation Accelerator will build on the historical strengths of the Midlands to create a national hub for transport innovation. This will act as a global beacon of excellence for technology companies with export potential, attracting talent and inward investment in the UK.

One of the university research projects supporting the Midlands Engine is the Energy Research Accelerator.

Commenting on the extended Energy Innovation Centre, supported by investment from the Energy Research Accelerator, and the private sector, Professor David Greenwood, of WMG at the University of Warwick, said:

“Electrification of transport and storage of energy on the electrical distribution network are both driving a rapid expansion of WMGs energy research. The extended Energy Innovation Centre made possible through the Midlands Energy Research Accelerator funding will deliver enabling technologies in energy storage, electric motors and power electronics to the automotive, commercial, off-highway and rail sectors – all of which are active in the Midlands. Our centre is unique in bringing together these disciplines at industrial scale with leading academic expertise".

  • Notes to editors

Midlands Innovation is a world-class research and innovation partnership, combining the collective excellence of six leading universities in the heart of the UK – Aston, Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick. It unites the power of university research with the unique strengths of Midlands industry to drive cutting-edge research, innovation and skills development.

9 March 2016

Contact:

Tom Frew, Senior Press and Media Relations Manager – University of Warwick:

E: a dot t dot frew at warwick dot ac dot uk

T: +44(0)7785433155