Sheffield Innovation Spine appoints new director

Charlotte Thompson has been appointed project director for the Sheffield Innovation Spine, where she will lead the creation and delivery of a strategic framework aimed at transforming Sheffield’s city centre and economy.

With expertise in building innovation clusters and bringing new ideas to market, Charlotte will work with Sheffield City Council, the city’s universities, and other key partners to establish infrastructure that attracts and grows knowledge-driven businesses.

Tom Wolfenden, chief executive at Sheffield Technology Parks, the lead delivery partner of the Sheffield Innovation Spine, said: “Charlotte has a deep understanding of innovation clusters and how to foster healthy innovation ecosystems, carefully bringing together the many different organisations involved and enabling them to play their part.

“Her experience, focus and creativity, combined with a genuine passion for Sheffield and the North of England, makes her the ideal leader for this transformative initiative.”

Previously at Arup, Charlotte’s experience spans partnerships with start-ups, accelerators, and corporates, which she will leverage to guide the Innovation Spine’s growth. 

She added: “I am thrilled to join the Sheffield Innovation Spine and contribute to such a pivotal project. 

“This initiative has the potential to significantly impact the local economy and innovation landscape and complement and collaborate with existing innovation clusters in the North of England.

“We are eager to collaborate with innovators, enablers and stakeholders to bring this vision to life.”

Her role also includes developing connections with initiatives such as the South Yorkshire Innovation District, creating a feeder pipeline of companies to benefit from advanced manufacturing facilities, and strengthening the Northern Triangle - linking Sheffield with Manchester and Leeds as a major northern hub for innovation.

Charlotte added: “A strong and well-connected Innovation Spine in Sheffield will develop a deeper innovation ecosystem with Leeds and Manchester. 

“By bringing together our strengths we can create a compelling case for investment and retain talent in the region and in the North, collectively driving economic growth and innovation.”

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