Foundation Industries Ventures (FIVe) has released a report outlining actions needed from government/policymakers, industry leaders and RTOs, and SMEs and entrepreneurs to enable innovation and reach net zero.
The organisation, which supports start-ups and spinouts to develop and commercialise sustainable innovation in the Foundation Industries (FIs), is calling for simple actions to boost innovation.
For government and policymakers
• Deliver a long-term Industrial Strategy and stable policies that prioritise investment in the FIs.
• Create clearer links between innovation, regional growth, and national prosperity.
• Champion challenge-led funding mechanisms and support private investment in early-stage innovation.
For industry leaders and RTOs
• Deepen collaboration with SMEs, start-ups, and research institutions to accelerate innovation and scale commercial solutions.
• Build stronger regional networks that reduce duplication, share best practices, and create opportunities for open knowledge exchange.
• Invest in workforce development by partnering with schools, colleges, and universities.
• Engage with the consultation for the Industrial Strategy and ensure your voice is heard.
For SMEs and entrepreneurs
• Engage actively with innovation ecosystems and funding programmes.
• Push for visibility and inclusion in strategy, investment conversations, and regional partnerships.
• Collaborate boldly, share learnings, and advocate for long-term support to bring your innovations to market.
The actions and accompanying report outlining themes covering collaboration, policy and investment and skills and education follow discussions at a roundtable focusing on decarbonisation in the North East.
FIVe Co-Founder and Strategy Lead, Dr Sarah Harrold, said: “The overarching message from the panel was that we need an Industrial Strategy with teeth that harnesses the push from government to the priorities of UK industries and the FIs of cement, metals, chemicals, ceramics, paper and glass.
“But key stakeholders need to act and demonstrate that making an investment in the FIs will support the policy environment especially around net zero.
“This report is an output from engaged discussions during the event and highlights key actions that we believe can transform the FIs through innovation for a net-zero future. The time for fragmented action is over. We need to build a united, resilient and sustainable foundation for the UK’s industrial future – starting now.”
February’s roundtable in Middlesborough brought together Chris McDonald – MP for Stockton North, Hannah Wade – MD of CPI Enterprises, Sarah Cox – Innovation Challenge Lead for Innovation SuperNetwork, Jonathan Oxley – Senior Manager, Net Zero Team at the CBI under chair Philippa Glover, Director of Foundation Industries Sustainability Consortium (FISC).
The report follows earlier FIVe publications with Amion and Civikas into the regulatory barriers blocking innovation in the FIs and research-based interventions which are now helping inform policy and regulatory frameworks.
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