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Shaping Rural Policy

Research and knowledge to foster innovation in rural businesses.

Research and practical innovation combined

Newcastle is home to the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE). It combines research and practical innovation. It was established on the strong foundations of, and connects to, the University’s Centre for Rural Economy, which has been at the forefront of world-class interdisciplinary research for more than 30 years. NICRE’s Director is Professor Jeremy Phillipson. 

NICRE identifies new ways of unlocking potential for rural businesses and communities. In doing so, it supports rural enterprise by:

  • helping to overturn barriers to rural productivity
  • championing innovation
  • fostering resilient and sustainable rural economies
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Innovative policy

With partners, NICRE incorporates theory and practice to encourage new ways of thinking. By supporting innovations, it provides tangible benefits to rural businesses and communities.

Innovative projects include helping communities in Northumberland be resilient and transition to net zero.

Unlocking the potential of rural economies

NICRE develops practical solutions alongside:

  • rural businesses
  • rural communities
  • economic development agencies

This approach influences better policy, achieving this through external relationships, knowledge share and sharing best practice.

This work, often in partnership with key national stakeholders, helps shape evidence-based policymaking with policymakers, delivered via:

  • strategic conversations about policy evidence needs with a range of government agencies
  • ongoing engagement with government departments and initiatives
  • evidence submissions to All-Party parliamentary group (APPG) and government department reviews
  • providing an evidence base for combined and local authorities

Academic papers and evidence

NICRE has produced papers on the contribution of rural areas to Levelling Up:

  • What is the contribution of rural enterprise to levelling up, and how can this be further enabled? (Read more)
  • The strategic case for equitable recognition of rural economies in Levelling Up policies (Read more)
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State of Rural Enterprise

NICRE’s series of State of Rural Enterprise Reports from its survey of more than 4,000 rural businesses in 2021 have been welcomed by Ministers, business leaders and influential national stakeholders.

  • The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on rural businesses: experiences and resilience (Read more)
  • Infrastructure of networks: rural enterprises and the Levelling Up agenda (Read more)
  • Farm business performance: planning, adaptation and resilience (Read more)

The driverless road ahead Go to this link

The popularity of driverless vehicles is growing. Policy Newcastle explores the ways it can make the industry more efficient.

Utilising data for economic growth Go to this link

The National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) uses the power of data to unlock economic opportunities and support the government.

Delivering for skills needs Go to this link

At Newcastle University, we work with partners to develop new skilled workforces, addressing the skills challenge that exists in the UK.