Institute bids to lead multi-partner national research & innovation network
IPM has recently submitted a bid in excess of £3m to lead a new kind of innovation network.
Local Policy Innovation Partnerships (LPiPs) are a new initiative from UK Research and Innovation.
The overall £20m programme will build capacity and networks at a local level across universities, local authorities, LEPs, business and community groups to research and innovate local solutions to local problems
If our bid is successful, it will mean IPM developing an effective, respected, and efficient operating model that will:
a) have demonstrable impact on the success of the LPiPs – enabling them to build stronger partnerships that deliver place-based solutions to challenges that matter to local people and communities;
b) have strategic influence on national policy and practice relevant to inclusive, sustainable, economic growth across the UK, and devolved policy agendas in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England;
c) establish and increase the contribution of UK research and innovation to levelling-up measures and other, relevant, devolved policy measures.
Other partners involved in the bid are the University of Stirling, Cardiff University, Ulster University, University College London, Civic Voice and Scotlands Towns Partnership.
Commenting on the bid, Professor Cathy Parker, Chair of IPM, said: “This is an important initiative that will allow practical policy and projects to be developed to solve local challenges, and innovate solutions to big issues such as decarbonisation, developing green skills, and strengthening local economies.
“We know local leaders are keen to get on with making change happen and that there is a huge amount of knowledge and data in research institutions that can help innovate solutions - this funding can join the dots and IPM has a wealth of experience supporting this type of work".
The LPiP programme will start in April. More details are available here.
About the author
Formed in 2006, the Institute of Place Management is the international professional body that supports people committed to developing, managing and making places better.