Heading Out to Innovate: My Journey Across the UK

Heading out and hearing the perspectives of others, not only helps us with ideas but we get to connect with the right people.

Over the past few months I have invested time (and miles) for what I have called the Innovation Road Trip. This initiative has seen me travel across the UK, visiting innovation centres and speaking to centre managers and innovation leaders too.

So far, I have visited six locations, attended three conferences and completed 12 interviews. My travels have spanned Newcastle to Cambridge, to Bristol and Fareham. My interviews have included the CTO of Qinetiq (a multinational Defence company), the CEO of Plexal (a business that runs innovation centres and deliver programmes) and the Director of the National Innovation Centre for Data.

In addition to this, I’m also blogging about the public charging network for electric vehicles, contributing to a broader conversation on innovation.

The Dorset Innovation Park, when we have offices, is relatively new in terms of being an innovation space and I wanted to visit other established places that are working, to find out what they do and how they do it. What makes for a thriving ecosystem that truly delivers results?

I’ve been documenting these experiences — video interviews, summaries, and insights — on my ParkLife blog. This acts as a focused archive of my innovation content, ensuring it won’t get lost in the depths of LinkedIn over time.

One of the unexpected perks of this journey has been meeting people I likely would never have crossed paths with otherwise. Speaking to the CTO of Qinetiq has really helped show that I am serious about this, when I approach others.

This road trip isn’t without cost — it requires both time and money, which ultimately means an investment from the company. I do want to know how other places work, and I can see everywhere is different enough so it’s not just a case of replicating.

If innovation is in part about collaboration and input from a diverse pool of expertise is vital, then we need “situational awareness” of other innovation centres as Mike Sewart put it. Identifying any thematic or sectoral trends is invaluable, and I hope my blog’s high-level introductions to these centres can benefit others, too.

I know post-Covid, the need — and desire — to travel has diminished for many. There needs to be a very good reason for anyone to leave their home or office. I see extra value for me though in the investment I am making with my travels.

Even through a couple of meetings, I feel I have built stronger connections with certain people by meeting face to face, going to events in support, and sharing what I do. Maybe the X-Net name has had a bit more exposure, in a different personal light too, but it’s the long-term knowledge value that is important.

Progress requires effort. Building new relationships, generating fresh ideas that shape our work, and connecting with the industries we represent all take time and initiative. But when that effort aligns with the right opportunities, it can pay dividends.

So, how are you planning to get out there in 2025?