Shropshire Council is stepping up its involvement in shaping Local Innovation Partnerships (LIPs) as it prepares an expression of interest for a £20 million funding bid aimed at strengthening the county’s ability to attract inward investment and support long‑term economic growth. The Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF), a new £500 million UKRI‑led initiative, is a key element of the Government’s drive to accelerate regional, innovation‑led development.
The council has secured cabinet approval to build the partnerships needed to submit a Marches to the Midlands bid, bringing together neighbouring authorities, businesses and academic institutions. The proposal centres on the creation of two specialist clusters — one focused on ‘green energy’ and another on advanced manufacturing, including agri‑tech—designed to position the region as a hub for emerging technologies and sustainable industry.
These cluster organisations form what is described as a ‘triple helix’ structure, enabling wider access to funding opportunities while showcasing the county’s capability to potential investors. The council believes this collaborative approach will help unlock new avenues for innovation and enterprise across Shropshire and the wider Marches region.
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council cabinet member for economic growth (pictured), said: “This strategic approach will not only boost local jobs and skills but also ensure Shropshire remains competitive in the transition to a low-carbon economy. By pooling expertise and resources, the partnerships will accelerate progress on renewable energy projects and advanced manufacturing capabilities, helping the county secure long-term prosperity.”
He added: “The Marches Forward Partnership is already driving proposals for developing green growth and optimising our rural status and natural assets to create high-quality jobs close to home with its ‘green’ growth strategies, including the flagship Severn Valley Water Management Scheme.
“A successful bid could expand on the success of the DSIT-funded Advanced Wireless Innovation Region work which has already deployed digital technology to help increase productivity and resilience in water management and rural industries, aligned to our national award-winning River Severn Partnership. We fully support this bid to UKRI and working with our university, business and local authority partners to unlock opportunities.”
The council expects that a successful funding award would allow it to accelerate projects that support both industrial competitiveness and environmental resilience, strengthening the region’s position as a destination for advanced technology investment.