Current models of education and social mobility take an individualist approach that encourage young people from rural areas and small towns to move to city centres to obtain qualifications and skills. But this approach worsens regional inequalities, as places outside of urban centres are left behind. In this article, from our Power in Place publication, […]
Not immaterial: Why the UK must play to its strengths in quantum technology
The UK Science and Technology Framework has recently been announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with Quantum Technologies (QTs) identified as one of five critical technologies. But what is needed to realise this vision – and should the UK invest everywhere, or target its areas of expertise? Here, Professor Richard Curry outlines how the country […]
Turning gadgets into productivity
The Industrial Revolution brought about great economic success in the north of the United Kingdom that translated into a social, cultural and urban transformation. However, the Digital Revolution of today has not had the same impact on the UK, and particularly, the north. In this blog, Professor Bart van Ark explores how and why productivity […]
On productivity and Net Zero
The UK government has assigned itself with the tasks of boosting productivity in left-behind areas and transitioning to a net-zero economy. In this blog, Professor Jonatan Pinkse explores how the UK can simultaneously improve its standards of productivity regionally while transitioning to a net-zero economy. His policy recommendations include securing green jobs and not using […]
Striving for gender balance in the IT industry
Early computing was dominated by women, most often working as machine operators. Since the 1970s, however, they have been side-lined by the tech industry, replaced by higher paid men. Professor Debra Howcroft critically examines the increasingly gendered environment within the IT sector, and offers solutions to encourage women to return to the industry they played […]
Innovation on the frontline: rebuilding bodies with ‘Bone Bricks’
In this blog a team from the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering at The University of Manchester introduce their innovative pilot project ‘Bone Bricks’ which demonstrates how advanced materials can play a key part in providing solutions to global challenges. The Bone Bricks pilot project was born, seeking a solution to the kinds […]
We’re only scratching the surface: why surface engineering matters, to our city, and beyond
In this blog, Professor Allan Matthews highlights the importance of surface engineering in the development and sustainability of materials and sets out why surface engineering should remain part of the conversation in order to position Greater Manchester as a global leader in materials innovation. Surface engineering modifies the surface of what lies beneath, to make it […]
We need an ‘Internet of Materials’ to get from lab to market faster
In this blog Professor Phil Withers, Chief Scientist at the Henry Royce Institute calls for an ‘Internet of Materials’ to help the UK to innovate faster, smarter and with a more competitive edge. A new material or process can utterly transform a sector, or even our lifestyle. Failing fast in the lab and learning quickly […]
Beyond technology: addressing the social and sustainability challenges of next generation industrial systems
This week’s annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos will discuss prospects for ‘Globalisation 4.0’, with participants debating how to match a global economy increasingly driven by new technology and the movement of ideas, people, and goods, with citizens around the world looking to ‘take back control’. Professor Philip Shapira from the Manchester […]
A Policy@Manchester interview with the Dr Bachir Ouedraogo, Minister of Energy for Burkina Faso
Dr Bachir Ouedraogo won a scholarship from the Sustainable Consumption Institute at The University of Manchester and he went on complete his PhD in MACE in 2012 looking at the impact of climate change, renewable energy and population on the future energy demand for Burkina Faso. In 2015 Bachir was elected to the National Assembly […]