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Regional mayors questioned on government’s innovation and growth policies

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The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will question local government, experts and innovators as it continues its inquiry into Innovation, Growth and the Regions.

During the session, the cross-party committee will explore how government policies support growth through regional and national level innovation.

In the first panel, MPs will question the Mayors of the West of England and the North East, as well as the Leader of Monmouthshire council. The committee could ask about the English Devolution White Paper, the distribution of innovation and its benefits across their regions, and regional imbalances in pro-innovation initiatives.

MPs could also investigate access to national funding schemes for innovators, and the local implementation of relevant national priorities, such as the government’s growth missions.

Members will then hear from experts and innovators, including a former chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Greg Clark, to hear about their experiences of the UK’s innovation ecosystem. Members may seek views on the current and previous Industrial Strategies, the role of regions in the current strategy, and the new Industrial Strategy Advisory Council.

Questions are also likely to cover the challenges facing innovative start-ups, particularly those outside London and the Southeast, skills development, and access to funding.

Witnesses at 9:45am:

Dan Norris MP, West of England Mayor

Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Cardiff Capital Regional Chair and Leader of Monmouthshire County Council

Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East

Witnesses at 10:35am:

Dr Natasha Boulding, CEO and co-founder, Low Carbon Materials

Dan Cathie, CEO and co-founder, Silveray

Rt Hon. Greg Clark, Executive Chair, Warwick Innovation District

Showcase Innovation at 09:30am:

Ahead of the main evidence session, Dan Cathie will also appear in a short slot as part of the committee’s showcase of UK Innovators.

Dan Cathie, CEO and co-founder, Silveray

Further information

About Parliament: Select committees

Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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