Sheffield to become home of UK’s first Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District

Sheffield & Rotherham businesses are set to see significant growth as plans for the first Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District in the UK begin to make developments.

A recent report, published by independent research and policy institute Centre for Cities, has revealed the “ambitious vision” of the businesses involved in the development, which will be Europe’s largest research-led Advanced Manufacturing cluster.

The aim is that the “innovation triangle” will connect the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and wider AMP at Catcliffe in Rotherham, businesses in the Don Valley and Sheffield city centre.

Sheffield City Council has also launched a new website to focus on the operations of the Sheffield International Economic Commission, which hopes to boost economic growth and enable Sheffield to continue to grow in the global marketplace.

Councillor Leigh Bramall, deputy leader of Sheffield City Council and cabinet member for business, skills and development, said: “This is a really exciting time for Sheffield, as we take the very best of what our city has to offer and drive forward our economic vision in a bold and ambitious way.

“The Centre for Cities report highlights Sheffield City Region’s particular excellence in advanced manufacturing. This is of not just national, but international significance and by building upon this and creating an Innovation District around the AMP, we can boost the city as a whole.

“But the Sheffield International Economic Commission focuses on not just advanced manufacturing, but on those other things that make Sheffield unique, such as the outdoor economy. We are in a position to move forward with creativity and confidence.

“Securing the input of the best international experts offers a real opportunity to sell the city and City Region and help us punch our weight internationally.”

The Centre for Cities report, supported by Sheffield International Economic Commission, was conducted after Bruce Katz, Vice President of the Washington DC-based Brookings Institution and author of “The Rise of Innovation Districts”, visited the Sheffield City Region.

In January this year he visited the AMP and the University of Sheffield’s AMRC, as well as prominent businesses in the region such as Sheffield Forgemasters, with Kelly Kline, economic development director in the city of Fremont, California.

During his visit to the AMRC, Mr Katz said: “This is Sheffield’s moment. You recognise the critical importance of the advanced industries and the opportunity for devolution.

“Your capability in advanced manufacturing and materials is distinctive globally, and your culture of collaboration across business, university and local government aligns well with the new network model of innovation growth.”

Andrew Carter, acting chief executive of Centre for Cities, added: “The Sheffield City Region has a strong heritage in the steel industry which has since evolved into a hub of advanced manufacturing activity and innovation.

“By focusing on growing this highly skilled, productive industry using the Innovation District model, the city region can both support existing firms to grow, and encourage new ones to locate there, helping to boost the local economy and create jobs.”

Innovation Districts feature research institutions, innovative firms and business incubators with the benefits of urban living. These districts collect cutting-edge research in geographic areas that are liveable, walkable, bike-able, and connected by public transport.

As well as being beneficial for Sheffield City Region and the wider Northern powerhouse, the new Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District is also important for the whole of the UK. the region’s unique capability in manufacturing technology and engineering is vital to the country’s economy through supply to industries such as aerospace, civil nuclear, oil and gas, healthcare technologies and transportation.