GM’s advanced materials expertise to ‘shape cities of the future’
16 August 2021
A new report has offered a vision of how Greater Manchester’s expertise in advanced materials like graphene could see businesses playing a leading role in the transition to cleaner, greener cities.
The report from the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership (GM LEP) takes in views from leaders across the fields of science, industry and academia to imagine how advanced materials could transform the city region over the next two decades.
The most well-known advanced material, graphene - a revolutionary 2D structure first discovered at the University of Manchester - is expected to have a transformational impact on a wide array of sectors. It can be used to produce super-strength lightweight composites for vehicles, boost durability and grip in rubber tyres or roads, improve the efficiency of batteries, increase the strength of concrete and even provide clean water.
Greater Manchester’s Graphene, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Alliance (GAMMA) is leading the delivery of the city region’s industrial strategy for advanced materials. Justin Kelly, GAMMA and GM LEP Board Member, said:
“Greater Manchester has the potential to make a significant impact in advanced materials innovation, as part of a wider advanced materials and manufacturing supercluster across the North.
“In this report we highlight the research carried out at our world-leading institutions which has then been taken forward by pioneering companies. These innovations create jobs and growth while also addressing some of the most pressing global challenges.
“The report is intended to stimulate further conversation about Greater Manchester’s role in influencing the future for global cities, while also considering how this could bring skilled jobs and economic benefits to our city region.”
Greater Manchester’s efforts will be underpinned by Innovation Greater Manchester - a blueprint for a partnership with government to stimulate R&D investment and level up the North.
Lou Cordwell, Chair of the GM LEP, added:
“Innovation is at the heart of our Economic Vision for Greater Manchester. Creating new products and services built around advanced materials will generate opportunities for thousands of new, skilled jobs in industries which are only now being imagined.”