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1 August 2019
Leeds and the City Region has been chosen to host a prestigious international innovation programme, in partnership with one of the world’s most famous universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Over a hundred leaders from government, business, universities and finance as well as entrepreneurs from across the world will converge on Leeds to understand more about the region’s strengths and ambitions.
It will also position Leeds and the City Region at the forefront of the Government’s drive for national growth and increased competitiveness.
The MIT innovation programme provides expert, evidence-based guidance to support regions to accelerate economic growth, job creation and social change.
It has helped nations and cities such as Beijing, Tokyo and Qatar in the past, shaping their economic and societal impact.
Leeds is hosting the next stage in the global programme in January 2020, having successfully bid for a place on the globally renowned two-year MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (REAP) last year.
“This is undoubtedly an important boost for the UK, to be able to showcase its reputation for innovation and enterprise,” said Professor Lisa Roberts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leeds, who leads the Leeds team in the programme.
“MIT identified this region as having significant strengths to support the UK economy. We know that we can collectively create a truly remarkable environment and find new ways to support innovation, enterprise and inclusive growth. This is our chance for Leeds and the City Region to share our ideas and shine on an international stage.”
With three million people, the Leeds City Region is the UK’s largest economic area outside London and generates more than five per cent of the UK’s economic outputs.
The MIT programme is currently supporting the regional team to identify challenges and barriers to progress. The January workshop will help regions develop new strategies to implement change, to support innovation and inclusive growth.
“MIT is delighted that its global MIT REAP program will be hosted by Team Leeds in January 2020,” said Dr.Phil Budden, Senior Lecturer, at MIT Management School
“Against stiff competition within its international MIT REAP cohort, Team Leeds made a most compelling case for hosting the next MIT REAP workshop, drawing both on the city region’s strengths and the Team’s plans for leveraging this event for building a strong innovation-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“On behalf of the MIT REAP staff, faculty and Teams from around the world, let me say that we are excited to bring our MIT REAP program to the UK again, and excited to see Team Leeds showcase their region, and indeed the wider country, to such a global audience.”
The Leeds City team includes leaders from the University of Leeds and Nexus, KPMG, Arup, Leeds City Council, the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds Academic Health Partnership, and entrepreneurs Adam Beaumont, David Aspin and Ben Ziff.
Jo-Anne Wass, Chief Operating Officer for Leeds Academic Health Partnership, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to host the next stage of this important programme. As well as highlighting the exciting economic potential of the Leeds City Region, it also underlines the importance we place on having an inclusive approach to growth as a major influence on health and wellbeing.
“By improving opportunities for good jobs, skills and prosperity which benefit everyone in all our communities, we will strengthen our partnership aim to reduce health inequalities.”
The wide-ranging MIT programme will see international teams join interactive workshops in the University’s iconic innovation hub, Nexus, as well as attending networking events across the city.
Minister of State for the Northern Powerhouse, the Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, said: “I am proud that Leeds City Region is following in the footsteps of global cities like Beijing, London and Tokyo in hosting this prestigious international programme in partnership with the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“It will draw on the expertise and know-how of some of the world’s preeminent business leaders, academics and government representatives to help supercharge growth, create new jobs and further strengthen the resurgent Northern Powerhouse economy.”
Leeds will welcome international delegations to the three-day programme between 27 – 30 January 2020, including teams from Central Denmark, Guangzhou (China), Kentucky, Oslo and Sydney.
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