Metro Mayor seeks new members for Liverpool City Region Innovation Board

Chaired by Dr Jon Hague, Vice President Science & Technology for Unilever Homecare, and facilitated by the LCR Combined Authority, the Board’s purpose is to drive the commercialisation of specialist knowledge, maximise innovation-led investment, and accelerate growth and international competitiveness across all sectors of the LCR economy.

The Innovation Board’s primary objective is to realise the City Region’s headline ambition to secure R&D investment equal to 5% of LCR GVA by 2030 – almost double the national target.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

“Our region has a long history of innovation, a wealth of world-class research assets, and world-leading capabilities in infection, materials chemistry, AI and net zero innovation. But I don’t want us to rest on our laurels. We have to keep building on and developing our strengths to maintain our place as a global leader.

“That’s why our Innovation Board is so important. Our innovation is the key to driving both local and national economic growth and will help us to attract lots of highly skilled, well-paid jobs to the region.

“If you’re talented, energetic and passionate about doing things differently then we’d love to hear from you. We want your help to shape the future of our region’s economy and help make the Liverpool City Region an innovation superpower!”

Dr Jon Hague, Vice President Science & Technology for Unilever Homecare, who chairs the LCR Innovation Board, said:

“We are serious about realising the City Region’s north star ambition to invest 5% of our GVA in R&D by 2030, attracting and generating new industries, and maximise our potential to be one of the UK’s leading lights in place-based innovation. This is a pivotal time both nationally and locally to be joining our long-established Board, to help us build on the exciting work we have already done, driving growth and shaping the future economy of the Liverpool City Region, and are keen to hear from people across a range of key sectors, especially from industry.”

The refresh of the LCR Innovation Board is against the backdrop of recent major successes, including the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine-led iiCON infection innovation and commercialisation programme;  £210M investment in the ongoing development of STFC’s Hartree Centre in collaboration with IBM Research; the Glass Futures global innovation hub and industrial decarbonisation campus; LCR Ventures – the region’s first dedicated commercialisation vehicle; plus a forward project pipeline of more than £3billion. It is also in the context of an explicit government focus on maximising the innovation capabilities of places outside the Greater Southeast as part of its levelling up agenda.

The Board would like to hear from senior business/trade body representatives and/or experts focused on AI/technology, infection/health innovation, chemistry/materials, net zero/clean growth, IP, or commercial investment, who are keen to be actively involved in delivering our ambitious agenda.

The Board is keen to ensure diverse representation, meets four times a year, interacts closely with other LCR Sector Boards, and offers no remuneration for membership.

Please contact John Whaling at john.whaling@liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk to find out more and/or apply by  providing  a current CV together with a supporting statement highlighting how you will add value to the Board in light of its objectives. The closing date is 10am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.