TSC teams with England’s Economic Heartland for Innovation

Transport Systems Catapult and England’s Economic Heartland (EEH) have signed an agreement to deliver innovative transport infrastructure for the region. The programme of activities will help to deliver economic potential identified by the National Infrastructure Commission and set as a national priority by the Government. The economy in the area is set to double or even triple by 2050.

The agreement will focus on the use of data, consolidating member authority live transport data from across the region in-order-to facilitate joined up transport solutions. The Transport Systems Catapult will also assist with policy modelling and real time network management tools and the transportation of freight. Finally, the EEH and TSC will look to identify Grand Challenges for the region’s transport infrastructure which can be promoted as opportunities to local businesses and academia.

EEH is a voluntary strategic partnership of councils and local enterprise partnerships.  It represents the area from Swindon through Oxford, Milton Keynes to Cambridge and from Northamptonshire to Hertfordshire. Its membership brings together Local Authorities and Local Enterprise Partnerships in a shared ambition to realise the economic potential of the Heartland.

Transport Systems Catapult Chief Engagement Officer Helen Wylde said:

“The economic opportunity presented in Oxford-Milton Keynes-Cambridge corridor and surrounding areas is transformational and something we are extremely proud to support. Realising the potential of the region will require additional public and private investment in infrastructure which is sustainable and fit for future travel and transport needs. Through this agreement, we will help EEH identify and realise transport solutions which are integrated across the region and take advantage of the latest technologies to deliver real economic impact – new jobs and sustainable wealth for the region.”

Councillor Martin Tett, Chairman of England’s Economic Heartland said:

“Realising the enormous economic potential of this region will require investment in strategic infrastructure which is based on sound evidence and data, while harnessing the latest technology to make journeys simpler and more convenient for our residents and businesses. Therefore, I’m delighted that England’s Economic Heartland is working with Transport System Catapult – this is a partnership which can only lead to greater innovation in a region which is already so renowned for its expertise in science and technology.”