Manchester named the third most active tech innovation city

Manchester has been named the third most active tech innovation city in the UK behind London and Edinburgh.

According to the UK Tech Innovation Index, Manchester also ranked second for creative industries, third for data innovation and health innovation, third for virtual reality, fourth for Internation of Things and fifth for artificial intelligence.

Using data from industry events and conferences together with information on business startup rates, local skills measures and R&D spend, the index provides insight into where British innovation is flourishing.

Other north west cities listed include Sheffield, Leeds and Liverpool.

Chris Fletcher, director of policy and marketing at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce said of the findings: “This data proves what many have felt for some time in Greater Manchester that we are now not just a serious player at a national level when it comes to digital, creative and innovative industries but also, increasingly, on the international scene too.

“Manchester has always had a reputation for innovation going back to the industrial revolution.

“However, whilst small clusters of tech companies have existed for some time, it is really in the last few years that the tech community has begun to come together and start to really drive this work forward – not just reacting to demand but beginning to create new tech which in many cases is market leading.

“This research comes at an ideal time in the overall business cycle and in what some would describe as a challenging environment. It shows why having a clear plan is so important for the sector going forward.

“The momentum is with Greater Manchester and it’s important that future strategies at all levels ensure this progress continues and delivers against clear objectives.”

Colin McLaughlin, secretary of the North West Innovation Network, said: “It is rewarding to see that two of the key cities in the North West are recognised for their vibrant technology scene and that the levels of innovation are ranked as high as anywhere in the UK.

“The NW has always been a hotbed of invention and this report has highlighted what we have long known, that the NW is a great place to do business.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry adds: “Many people assume that you have to be based in London to have a career in technology, but this simply isn’t true.

“As this new research shows, our investment in the Northern Powerhouse is delivering real results, with Manchester recognised for its tech innovation. Right across the city and the North there are areas of digital excellence in part thanks to Tech North, backed by £6 million government funding, which is helping boost the region’s digital economy.

“I recently saw Manchester’s vibrant innovation community first hand at the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Digital and Tech Summit. It’s a real boost to the Northern Powerhouse, and I look forward to working with Andy Burnham to make Greater Manchester a world-leading Digital City-Region.”

The index has been published today by the Open Data Institute and the Digital Catapult.