North East England
Working across the North East of England for economic growth and social impact.
Defined by ambition
The North East of England is one of the UK’s most dynamic and forward-looking regions. Defined by ambition, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusive growth, it is home to leading clusters in:
- clean energy and electrification
- digital, data, and AI
- life sciences and health innovation
- advanced manufacturing
- the creative industries
The region is home to globally significant work in:
- offshore renewables
- energy systems
- culture and creative arts
- artificial intelligence and data
These are underpinned by world‑class research and vibrant industrial networks.
Part of a collaborative regional ecosystem
We play a central role at the heart of the region's innovation ecosystem of universities, industry, local government and investors.
Universities for North East England
Universities for North East England (UNEE) is the unified voice of Higher Education in North East England.
We work together with four other North East Universities:
- Durham
- Northumbria
- Sunderland
- Teesside
We align research strengths, skills development, policy influence, and regional priorities.
We also have a Collaborative Newcastle Universities Agreement with Northumbria University.
Invest Newcastle
With Invest Newcastle, we support inward investment, cluster development, and sector growth. We connect investors to Newcastle University’s world-leading expertise, facilities and talent.
We’re long-term partners in:
- Invest Newcastle’s delegations to the International Market for Real Estate Professionals (MIPIM)
- UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF)
North East Combined Authority
The North East Combined Authority (NECA) formed in 2024 and leads the region’s devolution deal.
We work closely with NECA on skills and education, creative talent, economic development and investment. This includes:
- AI Growth Zone in the North East
- NECA’s Skills for Growth programme
Insights North East
Insights North East (INE) is a collaboration between Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, the NHS and local authorities.
The team works to harness the investment in research and regional knowledge assets for the long-term benefit of the North East by:
- producing accessible and actionable insights for North East policymakers
- developing capacity and capability of regional policymakers and academics
We want policy evidence engagement to become a sustainable, embedded, and systemic activity.
Driving place‑based growth
Newcastle University is an anchor institution in the region’s research and development (R&D) landscape. Everyday we’re shaping projects that strengthen communities, industries, and the economy.
R&D leadership
The region’s universities are scaling research programmes and industry collaborations. This will drive inclusive economic growth across the North East.
Test beds and demonstrators
The North East hosts unique real-world testing environments. These include the Newcastle Helix and the North East Energy Catalyst, which unites partners to accelerate clean energy innovation and decarbonisation.
We cover urban data, digital connectivity, renewable energy and advanced materials.
Skills and future workforce
Regional collaboration is building the engineering, digital and green‑skills pipeline needed for the industries of tomorrow. This includes apprenticeships and specialist technical training.
Through Newcastle Innovations, businesses can tap directly into this research, infrastructure, and talent ecosystem.