In autumn 2015, the UK government announced regional science
and innovation audits (SIAs) to catalyse a new approach to regional economic
development. SIAs enabled local consortia to focus on analysing regional
strengths and identifying mechanisms to realise their potential.
A consortium led by the University of York and including
NNFCC, has showed that the North of England has the facilities, specialised
research and innovation capability and industrial capacity to deliver a
world-leading bioeconomy.
NNFCC Director Adrian Higson commented “the region is the
home to some of UK’s leading bioeconomy companies including speciality
chemicals company Croda, biomass based electricity generator Drax and
bioethanol producer Vivergo Fuels. This industrial leadership, combined the
with the region’s University strengths and support organisations such as the
Biorenewables Development Centre and the Centre for Process Innovation presents
a significant economic opportunity for the region.”
The consortium holds a vision of an integrated and
innovation-driven product, process and service bioeconomy in the north of
England, allowing the region to compete in the multi-trillion-pound global
market for sustainable food, feed, chemicals, materials, consumer products and
energy.
The audit reveals the north of England has particular
strengths in chemicals, process industries, and in food and drink. Food
and drink represents around one-third of the regional bioeconomy and chemicals make
up one-quarter. The region's strength in food and drink underpins the region’s
bioeconomy which generates an annual turnover of £91 billion and employs more
than 400,000 people.