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NEECIE

Scius led a "first-of-its-kind" comprehensive study that examines the breadth and depth of innovation in the construction sector in the north east of the UK. The year-long project for a consortium of private and public sector partners led by Ryder Architecture examined not only advanced technologies, materials and digital expertise, but also the supporting research and educational infrastructure, which is essential to the growth and success of the sector.

Scius was hired not only on the strength of our track record with smiliar projects in Canada but also because we could provide an impartial, non-UK perspective. The evidence-based report involved detailed consultation with experts from industry, government and education, including interviews with over 50 individuals from these organisations.

Funding was provided by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP), with support from Constructing Excellence North East (CENE) and its OneVoice initiative, in addition to industry partners, Hydrock, Black & White Engineering, and Ryder.

Attracting investment to the region and the development of a collaborative, sustainable community – committed to greater integration of technology, innovation and education – were amongst the main objectives of the report. The findings not only highlight the breadth and depth of expertise in the region and the successful export of specialist services and products, but also encourage greater adoption of innovative technologies, products and systems throughout the north east.

The publication of the research coincides with the imminent launch of the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority and provides a valuable opportunity to profile, celebrate and invigorate the construction innovation community in the region, benchmarking current success and helping to set targets for future growth.

The study found the local market to be fiercely competitive, but this was identified as a positive, fostering creativity and helping to build a strong sense of collaboration and community. In particular, the region’s early leadership in Building Information Modelling (BIM) has resulted in a robust digital cluster with a global reputation, as well as a vibrant collective of advanced materials developers, which have applications in construction.

The research not only showcases the resilience of the north east construction sector during periods of socio-economic volatility, but also how it has flourished with enhanced education pathways that are attractive to both businesses and the workforce of tomorrow. In addition, the study highlights that the region is home to affordable rent and space for start-ups and acknowledges that it is a great place to live.

The report also highlights that the north east has a significant number of large companies with national and global reach, plentiful high quality research horsepower, as well as several innovative education programs in the sector, that are attracting international attention. The report can be the catalyst for a strategic plan for growth and innovation in the sector and inform future investment in the region.

Download the report here.

NEECIE Summary

Helen Goodland, principal at Scius and lead researcher for the study said: “A robust innovation ecosystem is vital if the construction industry is to achieve its priorities of delivering affordable, quality housing and infrastructure in the quantity and at the speed required. The clustering – of industry, skilled people, and institutions – leads to faster innovation and more rapid gains in productivity. Studies such as this can help diagnose economic strengths and challenges and identify realistic ways to shape the region’s economic future.”

Following the publication of the report on the new North East Combined Authority Evidence Hub in February 2024, the report was presented at the event to obtain feedback from representatives of industry, education, research and government on the content, analysis and recommendations. Based on discussions with the delegates, the recommendations were well received.

The overarching recommendation is to create an effective and collaborative innovation hub for the built environment community, to lead and coordinate innovation activity. Industry-led, with close connections to educators, research organisations and government.

It was emphasised that such a hub should be lean and agile, with a simple structure, strong leadership and clear lines of communication with regional and national government. The hub would take responsibility for:

• An innovation development strategy, pitch document and communication plan (with timelines) that builds on the region’s expertise.

• Creation of a centralised innovation exchange. including creation and maintenance of an easily accessible database for the sector.

• Engaging with and nurturing the start-up community.

• Developing a dedicated construction innovation investment programme and funding plan (private and public sector).

• Undertaking a long range education planning process which encourages and promotes innovative education programmes which are responsive to the needs of industry and the future workforce.

• Creating a regionally specific innovation KPI dashboard.

• Celebrating the strong community spirit in the region’s innovation community and actively promoting this nationally and internationally.

• Showcasing the region’s affordable available space to develop testbeds and sandpits.

Feature photo is of the Catalyst: a state-of-the-art building in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne and one of the most eye-catching buildings in the Newcastle Helix development. The photo has been kindly provided by The National Innovation Centre for Data .