The University of Economic Growth

We’re a global research and innovation powerhouse. Our expertise in advanced manufacturing enables companies to boost productivity, increase competitiveness, develop new products and train new talent - helping transform the UK’s industrial performance.

The South Yorkshire Investment Zone

The University of Sheffield is proud to be part of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, which will allow us to build on the success of our region’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District — the first of its kind in the world. Led by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, it will also further our strengths in areas including aerospace, power and energy, life sciences, digital and creative and engineering across all sectors.

The first major announcement as part of the new investment zone was a research and development facility at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Compass (Composites at Speed and Scale) will place the UK in a world-leading position to make the global aviation industry more sustainable, and its first R&D project is with our long-standing partner, Boeing.

This partnership, also including Spirit Aerosystems and Loop Technology, won ATI funding for a four-year advanced aerostructures research project which will provide technological advances for light weighting aerospace components including wings, stabilisers and fuselages. This innovation will drive new investment into the UK’s aerospace sector, create high-skilled jobs and could lead to Boeing reshoring production in this country.

Supercharging innovation-led growth

The University of Sheffield’s AMRC demonstrates the impact of innovation-led growth and why regions working collaboratively with universities is the right strategy to drive forward opportunities. Each year, our AMRC supports 1100 private sector businesses. A recent economic impact report revealed its major contribution helping to transform the UK’s industrial and economic performance. Over the past 15 years, it's have played a pivotal role in securing over £260 million in private investment and helped create more than 600 jobs in South Yorkshire. It's also trained over 1700 advanced manufacturing apprentices.

Our University of Sheffield Innovation District on the Sheffield and Rotherham border holds significant potential for growth, with translational research facilities focused on finding low-carbon solutions to energy challenges, sustainable aviation fuels and advancing gene therapies.

The Investment Zone allows us to go further and create a more holistic approach, rooted in partnership with central and local government, research institutions and the private sector.

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