The Sheffield Innovation Spine welcomes Charlotte Thompson as the new Project Director, marking a pivotal moment for the city’s economic growth.
- Charlotte Thompson is tasked with crafting a strategy to enhance innovation infrastructure in Sheffield.
- Her experience includes leadership roles at Arup and Innovate UK KTN, providing her with deep insights into innovation clusters.
- Thompson is expected to strengthen the Northern Triangle, connecting Sheffield with Leeds and Manchester.
- The initiative is supported by key local institutions, aiming to boost economic growth and retain talent in the North.
Charlotte Thompson has joined the Sheffield Innovation Spine as the Project Director, a role deemed vital for the long-term economic prosperity of the city. Tasked with developing a strategy to foster innovation infrastructure within the city center, Thompson’s appointment signals a commitment to nurturing knowledge-led businesses in Sheffield. Her ambition is reflected in her statement, “I am thrilled to join the Sheffield Innovation Spine and contribute to such a pivotal project.”
Thompson brings a wealth of experience to her new position, having served as the Product Innovation Co-Lead at Arup and as a Knowledge Transfer Manager for the Digital Economy at Innovate UK KTN. These roles have equipped her with a profound understanding of the dynamics within innovation clusters and how to cultivate successful innovation ecosystems. According to Tom Wolfenden, CEO at Sheffield Technology Parks, her “experience, focus and creativity” make her an ideal leader for this transformative initiative.
The Sheffield Innovation Spine project receives strong backing from a coalition of influential partners, including Sheffield Technology Parks, Sheffield City Council, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. This collaboration underscores the project’s aim of enhancing the city’s innovation capacity.
Thompson envisions the Innovation Spine as a crucial element in reinforcing the Northern Triangle, which connects major cities such as Manchester, Leeds, and Sheffield. By intertwining the strengths of these cities, she believes a compelling case for investment can be made, ultimately retaining talent within the region and driving collective economic growth.
Charlotte Thompson’s appointment heralds a new era of innovation and economic development for Sheffield.
