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The Novel Innovation Leadership Programme

A Blueprint for Advancing Knowledge Exchange Through SME-Focused Regional Innovation

The University of Liverpool’s VEC launched the Novel Innovation Leadership Programme to address one of the most pressing challenges in UK Knowledge Exchange (KE): strengthening leadership.

Novel focuses on improving innovation leadership across private, public, and higher education sectors, with particular emphasis on SMEs and regional businesses. Working directly with owners, MDs, and chief executives, alongside senior colleagues from universities and local government, the programme develops stronger leadership, builds networks, and supports better decision-making within regional R&D and innovation ecosystems.

Responding to the Innovation Challenge
The UK ranks highly for research excellence but continues to face barriers in translating this into business-led innovation. Fewer firms are investing in R&D, and many SMEs cite external barriers to innovation. This gap highlights the need for stronger leadership to connect academic capabilities with business growth.

Novel’s Strategic Approach
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Novel is designed to stimulate the next generation of innovation leaders in city regions. Its approach recognises that research and technology only achieve impact when guided by leadership able to convert KE into commercial and societal value.

Key programme elements include:

  • Innovation Leadership Events – residential training and networking for business and HE leaders
  • R&D Sprint – university teams tackling real business innovation challenges
  • Capital Investment Grants – funding up to £25,000 for new equipment or technology
  • Leadership Union – a growing network of leaders from business, research, and policy
  • Communication – podcasts and content creation to help leaders share their stories

Regional and National Impact
Piloted in the Liverpool City Region, Novel has demonstrated how targeted leadership development can strengthen regional innovation. By linking SME leaders with university expertise, it creates a model for KE that goes beyond traditional measures of partnerships or spinouts.

Novel positions leadership as the catalyst for effective KE. By addressing unmet needs in SME-focused leadership, it offers a scalable blueprint for how universities and regions can work together to drive innovation and economic growth across the UK.

Discover how VEC can work for you here.