The city of Sheffield.

The UK could deliver the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ by creating a new Northern Advanced Manufacturing Corridor, stretching from the Sheffield City Region to Lancashire, according to the findings of a new science and innovation audit.

Undertook by the University of Sheffield in partnership with Lancaster University, the ‘Driving Productivity Growth Through Innovation in High Value Manufacturing’ audit shows that between Sheffield City Region and Lancashire are many of the key components and assets needed to drive productivity growth in sectors which rely on advanced manufacturing and key linked sectors, to strengthen the economy of the region and equip the UK to compete globally; this includes the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The audit was commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and will inform investment decisions to stimulate productivity and economic growth across the Northern Powerhouse; playing a key part in the region’s contribution to the national industrial strategy and nationwide economic growth.

Professor Sir Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield said:

“Between the geographies of the Sheffield City Region and Lancashire lies a unique opportunity. One which the UK economy desperately needs.

“Within our existing Northern Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Corridor, we have strong high value manufacturing industrial bases, innovative excellence, world-class science and multi-level skills training; ensuring that the region is ready to bring the right skills, people and technology to close the productivity gap not just for the North but for the UK as a whole.

To read the full story and access the report click here: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/science-and-innovation-audit-fourth-industrial-revolution-1.659628