Green economic recovery gets £14 million boost from university collaboration

A partnership of the North-west’s universities is launching a £14 million programme to collaborate with the region’s businesses and invest in a green economic recovery.

The Eco-I NW programme aims to work with SMEs across the North-west to research and develop new low carbon technologies and innovations. It is estimated that the programme will save around 3850 tonnes of carbon emissions and help to deliver economic recovery after the pandemic through investment in green technology.

The scheme is led by Lancaster University, along with the University of Central Lancashire, the University of Cumbria, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan University.

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The programme is being driven by business needs, and Eco-I NW is now seeking innovation-ready SMEs based across Cumbria, Lancashire, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire and Warrington and Greater Manchester to take part. A current call for collaborative PhD projects is also open.

Business projects will be delivered through a variety of short term interventions and long term PhD level technical assistance and has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Dr Dion Williams, director of research enterprise and innovation at Lancaster University, said:

Despite the ongoing economic shock of COVID we need to look forwards as a region towards recovery and future growth.

“The global markets for clean and sustainable products, processes and services are enormous and growing, and the opportunities for North West businesses are significant.

“Lancaster University, together with our partners are determined to support our region and our businesses to benefit from the green recovery and to establish the North West of England as a global exemplar for clean and sustainable growth.”