Member Article

Mr Innovation supports Sunderland vision

The man tasked by Gordon Brown with helping the economy grow through innovation and skills has visited the University of Sunderland to discover how computer software could dramatically improve the North East economy.

Ian Watmore, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, was at the university to hear how the institution is helping deliver One NorthEast’s Regional Economic Strategy.

Mr Watmore learned more about Sunderland Software City after meeting two of its leading figures - the university’s Dean of Applied Sciences, Professor John MacIntyre and Leighton Chairman Paul Callaghan.

An independent feasibility study recently concluded that Sunderland has the infrastructure and expertise to deliver a new software industry in the city. This new project is expected to attract millions of pounds of business investment, employ thousands of people and generate considerable wealth for the city. Mr Watmore said: “Sunderland as a city has turned around its fortunes in recent years and is a very good example of what can be achieved with vision, partnership and determination. I’m sure those attributes will be put to good use for Sunderland Software City.”

Professor Peter Fidler, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sunderland, said: “We were pleased to welcome Mr Watmore to the university. Sunderland has always been an innovative university, and it’s good to be able to show people of Mr Watmore’s standing how we are practically turning innovation into jobs and economic growth for the people of the North East.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .