Introduction to the Innovation Catalyst

The Innovation Catalyst is a fully funded, six-month initiative designed for key stakeholders in Burnley, interested in connecting with academic expertise and like-minded peers to address the 21st Century Grand Challenges. This program aims to bring together manufacturing businesses in Burnley, Lancashire, actively seeking to innovate, and provide them with the space to collaborate and accelerate innovation.

About the Catalyst

The Innovation Catalyst is designed to catalyse system-wide changes, enhancing the competitiveness and overall success of the manufacturing sector in Burnley. By creating a collaborative environment, this initiative brings together local stakeholders, industry experts, and academic experts to explore innovations in processes, technologies, data utilization, and market expansion.

What's Involved?

The 6-month initiative begins with a two-day induction, followed by a series of one-day workshops. The program includes:

• Catalyst Activation: A two-day induction event to stimulate ideas and develop a peer group.
• Innovation Collaboratories: Expertly facilitated sessions to exchange knowledge, share expertise, and accelerate innovation.
• Innovation Accelerator: Break-out sessions for delegates to experiment, test, and learn from ideas developed during facilitated activities.
• Final Symposium: A session to reflect on the group's journey and plan action to continue tackling challenges.

Benefits to Business

The unique design of the Lancaster University Catalyst process utilizes extensive expertise in curating and facilitating transformational and sustainable innovation platforms. Benefits to businesses include:

• Exposure to the generative power of collaboration
• Access to cutting-edge research, facilities, and expertise at Lancaster University
• Development of leadership capability through critical thinking, reflection, and collaboration
• Future-proofing of businesses, sectors, and places in the changing environment

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of the Innovation Catalyst is to lead a sustainable revolution in Burnley. Objectives include:

• Collaborating and engaging with key stakeholders to accelerate idea creation
• Mobilizing new ideas through collective experimentation, testing, prototyping, and innovation
• Developing leadership capability through critical thinking, reflection, and collaboration

Costs and Eligibility

The program is fully funded and available to businesses who are eligible under the Shared Prosperity Funding criteria, including:

• Businesses registered in the Burnley Council local authority
• Businesses that have received less than ｣315,000 of subsidies in the last 3 years

Research Areas

The Innovation Catalyst focuses on addressing the 21st Century Grand Challenges, including:

• Global markets
• Complex supply chains
• Carbon reduction imperatives
• Security risks
• Skills gaps
• Staff retention

Conclusion

The Innovation Catalyst is a proven and powerful way of helping individual firms and regional collectives with shared issues to develop effective long-term solutions that capture greater value for them and for the region.

Lancaster University

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Overview:

Lancaster University is a public research university located in Lancaster, England. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and is recognized for its high-quality teaching, research, and student experience.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lancaster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of facilities, including a library, sports center, and arts venues. The university also has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student societies and clubs to join.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings and Reputation:

Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, demonstrating its academic excellence.

Excellent Teaching and Learning:

The university is known for its high-quality teaching and learning, with a focus on student engagement and support.

Vibrant Student Life:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and arts events.

Beautiful Campus:

The university is situated on a beautiful campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong Career Support:

Lancaster University provides excellent career support services to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including: * Arts and Social Sciences * Health and Medicine * Management School * Science and Technology