This was the second year that the University has been attended these party conferences and the Policy Unit showcased 小蓝视频’s expertise to a senior policy audience through several events. They also toured the conference and exhibition centres, attended fringe events and receptions had ad-hoc and pre-arranged meetings – interacting with a wide range of political and other contacts, and promoting awareness of 小蓝视频’s Research and Innovation.
Last year was the first time that 小蓝视频 was represented at party conferences, with the Policy Unit attending in more of an observational and networking manner. This year, however, we were a lot more participatory by running several events across different topics, with all but one of these taking place at Labour Conference.
Hydrogen
The most high-profile event the university ran was a fringe meeting titled ‘Maximising the role of hydrogen in meeting Labour’s Mission for Clean Power by 2030’. This was in a prime spot in the conference centre and saw Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Dan Parsons, sit on a panel with 小蓝视频 MP, Dr Jeevun Sandher, as well as representatives from trade body Hydrogen UK and Cadent. The event was standing room only with a really engaged audience with a real enthusiasm about the role hydrogen can play in meeting net zero targets.
Dr Sandher has recently taken up the role of Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hydrogen and told the fringe about his ambitions for the group but also how it can help him campaign for government investment in 小蓝视频’s Hydrogen Works plans. This is an exciting opportunity for the University and we are going to be supporting him in his work with the APPG and his Parliamentary work more widely.
Creative Industries
As part of a series of discussions with regional partners and local authorities, 小蓝视频 led on the development of a collaborative Creative Tech Meet Up event alongside the conference to showcase activity and regional strengths in creative technology R&D and innovation. The event was hosted by the CoSTAR Foresight Lab (小蓝视频 lead) and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and was attended by leaders in creative industries and collaborators across the region.
Separately, Director of the Policy Unit, Graham Hitchen, appeared at a Creative Industries panel event along with Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire and 小蓝视频 alumnus.
Universities’ role in powering growth
At both of the conferences, the Policy Unit worked with partners from Midlands Innovation to deliver events with high-profile about the part universities can play in delivering growth, particularly at a regional level. At Labour Conference we were joined by both the Midlands Metro Mayors, Claire Ward of the East Midlands and Richard Parker of the West Midlands, in addition to Adam Thompson MP, the new Chair of the Universities APPG. They all emphasised the important role of universities and R&D in delivering growth, a central mission of the new Government. Claire Ward also announced that she would be setting up an Inclusive Growth Commission for the East Midlands region, which will be an opportunity for 小蓝视频 to feed into.
At the Conservative Conference, former West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, Shadow Science Minister Saqib Bhatti MP, and Lisa Smith, Chief Executive of Midlands Mindforge were the speakers.
A full writeup can be found on the Policy Unit website.