On 31 October 2024, Bishop Helen-Ann took part in the debate on 'The contribution of science and technology to the UK economy' in the House of Lords. You can read her full speech below.
My Lords, it would be impossible to have this debate today without highlighting the contribution of the science and technology sector in the North East. The region’s rapidly growing sector is a huge asset to the UK economy, attracting skills and investment from across the world.
At the heart of the sector in this region, are its five distinguished universities. This month, they announced their new partnership, known as Universities for North East England, that will strengthen their collaboration, making a greater contribution to everyone who lives, works, and studies in the North East and further driving regional economic growth.
Access to skilled workers is a vital component of a flourishing science and technology sector, and with 67,000 people studying STEM subjects across these universities, the region has the highest proportion of STEM students in the country, resulting in a plethora of highly skilled and employable graduates. There is a clear partnership between the universities and business within the region, demonstrated by the increasing number of spinouts from universities. In 2023, spinouts from Newcastle University alone raised £40 million investment.
One development that is demonstrating innovation in the region is the Newcastle Helix – a 24-acre site in the city centre, bringing together industry leaders, businesses, and top researchers into an internationally renowned innovation cluster. But what makes this development stand out is not only its world-leading research, but its integrated approach – growing fiscally whilst strengthening communities. The Helix is committed to creating growth for businesses and investors, but also driving positive change through their purpose to help families, communities and cities around the world to live healthier, longer, smarter and easier lives.
Another exciting advancement was this year’s announcement that Northumbria University would become home to the North East Space Skills and Technology Centre. Funded by investments from a US aerospace and defence firm and the UK Space Agency, the centre will transform the UK space economy through the research of world-leading space experts, and through bringing together industry with academia. It is expected to create 350 jobs and inject £260 million into the North East’s economy, further demonstrating the growing recognition of what this region has to offer.
I feel that I have only managed to scratch the surface in this speech, but I hope I have done justice to the value asset that the region of North East is to the science and technology sector. Its rapid growth and contribution to the economy in recent years is a testament to this.
I welcome the emphasis that yesterday’s Budget placed on this sector through the record levels of R&D investment as well as the greater regional powers granted through the North East Mayoral Combined Authority that will unlock funding and powers to further the growth of science and technology in the region. We must now ensure its future success, and that the potential of this region is fully unlocked through continued recognition and investment.