Leicester highlighted as innovation example in Prime Minister’s speech
Leicester’s space research was highlighted by the Prime Minister as an example of the innovation strengths supporting economic growth across the UK.
Speaking at the Innovation Nation Summit in Manchester on 9 October, Andy Burnham cited “space research in Leicester” alongside other research and industry clusters, including advanced manufacturing in South Yorkshire and quantum research in Oxford.
The speech set out a connection between innovation, regional growth and devolution, with the Prime Minister arguing that giving places greater powers would help unlock local potential.
Mr Burnham highlighted collaboration between businesses, universities and local government as central to developing successful innovation economies.
All three local universities recently added their support to the Devolution Leicestershire campaign.
Investment and devolved powers
Announcements included plans to devolve local innovation partnerships funds to established mayors from 2028 and a commitment of £1 billion over four years, working with UK Research and Innovation, to support clusters with world-leading potential.
The speech also encouraged stronger collaboration between complementary clusters across the country.
The commitments were national announcements rather than funding allocations for Leicester. But the city’s inclusion in the speech placed its research strengths within the Government’s wider ambitions for innovation-led growth.
Implications for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
The announcements provide further context for discussions about securing devolved powers and investment for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Devolution Leicestershire is campaigning to accelerate that process. Its campaign highlights the investment flowing to other English regions and the absence of a delivery timeline for the LLR region.
The proposed transfer of innovation funding to established mayors demonstrates the potential relationship between devolution arrangements and future investment opportunities.
Leicester’s recognition in the speech provides a platform for discussions between local partners and government about how the area’s research expertise could support economic growth, attract investment and create opportunities for residents.
Who we are
Devolution Leicestershire is an industry-education-VCSE coalition.
Founded in 2026, its purpose is:
- To accelerate a Devolution deal for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
- To press for fair Government funding for LLR while the Devo deal is done.
Amy Orton is Account Director for 1284 Communications. She is a board member at Menphys. Amy was previously the Local Democracy Reporter for Leicestershire. Her role was funded by the BBC to report on local government in LLR for shared use by a host of media titles.
