A new agreement between Durham University Business School and the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP) will advance shared efforts to drive research-informed policy across the North.
The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalises a relationship already underpinned by shared projects.
Durham has contributed key analytical insights to NPP’s recent Innovation Report and is closely involved in the developing Northern Prosperity Multiplier project.
This initiative examines how regional value is generated, retained and reinvested by looking at ownership structures and economic flows across the North.
Under the MoU, both organisations will jointly steer efforts to bridge academic research with policy outcomes at local, regional, national and international levels.
A new collaborative hub will focus on translating research into practical outputs, supporting evidence-based decisions on priorities such as Net Zero, innovation and inclusive productivity. It will also coordinate engagement with external partners and policy bodies.
Initial activities are expected to include policy roundtable discussions and exploratory research projects. There will also be coordinated work with regional organisations including the North East Mayoral Combined Authority and the Darlington Economic Campus.
Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of Durham University Business School, said the agreement represents a step change in how world-class research can be mobilised to support long-term prosperity across the North. He emphasised the importance of co-created evidence and the role of the School as a focal point for collaboration.
Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, highlighted Durham University’s status as a leading research institution and noted that the MoU will strengthen efforts to close regional productivity gaps. He said the partnership will help provide robust, place-based evidence for decision-makers across the UK.
The MoU provides a structure for ongoing cooperation, enabling Durham University and NPP to develop new initiatives over time.
The partnership will draw on research centres across the University and work alongside regional stakeholders. Priority areas will include co-created evidence for policymakers, high-quality policy briefs and white papers, and strengthened engagement with parliamentary and governmental processes.
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