LCR Innovation Zone and modern industrial strategy: the place-based investment case for local leadership
At the 2025 LGA conference we are hosting a panel discussion on the LCR Innovation Zone and modern industrial strategy from 2:30 to 3:30 on 2nd July at Leonardo Hotel, Liverpool.
The event will be held in collaboration with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is open to all.
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Policy context
In its Green Paper from October 2024, and building on previous thinking, the government set out plans to use the strategic power of the state to “support and shape” the UK economy. In addition to driving growth nationally, the government wants the industrial strategy to support: regional growth, net zero and the UK’s economic security and resilience.
In this context, Investment Zones and Freeports offer the most advanced ‘sandbox’ for putting growth theory into local economic practice.
With the attention of local government focused on Liverpool for the Local Government Association Conference 2025, Localis, the independent think tank of place, in partnership with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, will debate how the freedoms and policies underpinning the Liverpool City Region Innovation Zone could galvanise modern industrial strategy and serve as a beacon to illuminate for other parts of the UK the pathway to productivity growth.
Key issues:
Key issues around the Liverpool Innovation Zone we will wish to deliberate on will include:
- Research and life sciences
- International trade
- Net Zero transition and CCSUs
Speakers:
- Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader, Liverpool City Council
- Susan Jarvis, Co-Director, Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, University of Liverpool
- Lorna Pimlott, Managing Director, Local Government Advisory and Lending, National Wealth Fund
