Abstract
Bridging the gap between academic research and industry remains a persistent challenge, with many promising innovations failing to translate into real-world impact. This presentation explores how building a dynamic innovation ecosystem—bringing together academia, corporates, SMEs, and startups—can create a more effective pathway for turning research into value. We will examine different innovation models, how to fill the innovation ‘funnel’ with opportunity and how to initiate a flywheel, covering the critical role of interventions that foster industry engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and market-aligned solutions. By aligning incentives and strengthening relationships, we can unlock the full potential of research and drive meaningful impact.

Short Bio:
Lisa has over 25 years of expertise in delivering corporate innovation and cutting edge technologies. She specialises in leading and driving strategies for innovation and transformation.

Currently she is driving an initiative for HMG for Plexal to establish co-investment for a Laboratory for AI Security Research innovation ecosystem with The University of Oxford and The Alan Turing Institute and in partnership with key industry multinational organisations.

Lisa was Director of BT’s Research and Development Centre at Adastral Park. She was accountable for showcasing and commercialising the world class innovation and research at the Park to drive growth. She led research programmes and the supporting innovation ecosystem. She managed key partnerships with world leading universities and industry in conjunction with research programmes to encourage and develop premier class expertise and to enable new innovation and growth.

Lisa led Innovation Martlesham, a thriving tech cluster of 150+ companies, home to a range of startup, SME and large corporates. She actively promoted and developed an education enrichment programme, working with schools to encourage children and teachers to develop a love of technology, and was instrumental in establishing the DigiTech Centre in collaboration with University of Suffolk and New Anglia LEP at Adastral Park.

She is Chair of Tech East, board member of the Suffolk Business Board, trustee for Lapwing Education, visiting Professor at University of Suffolk and recently appointed as NED at University of East Anglia.

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Next Workshop: Hussam Hourani