A new Project Director has been appointed to deliver the Sheffield Innovation Spine.
Charlotte Thompson’s role is described as a crucial one to the long-term future of Sheffield’s economy.
She’ll be responsible for building a strategy that creates and links innovation infrastructure in the city centre to attract and grow knowledge-led businesses.
“I am thrilled to join the Sheffield Innovation Spine and contribute to such a pivotal project,” she said.
“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.”
A former Product Innovation Co-Lead at Arup, Thompson also spent several years at Innovate UK KTN including as its Knowledge Transfer Manager for the Digital Economy.
“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,” said Tom Wolfenden, CEO at Sheffield Technology Parks – the lead delivery partner of the Sheffield Innovation Spine.
“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.”
The Innovation Spine is backed by partners Sheffield Technology Parks, Sheffield City Council, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Thompson added that she believed the Innovation Spine would strengthen the Northern Triangle of Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield:
“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.”
