Ensuring local people shape place-based innovation
Learn how the Net Zero Living programme has been helping local authorities engage their local residents, communities and business, and co-design innovations that reflect their needs.
Community Empowerment
Local authorities up and down the UK are reimagining the systems, services, and infrastructure that they rely on to help their places thrive. They are realising this isn’t just a technical journey, it’s a social one. When communities are genuinely involved in shaping local solutions, progress is made quicker, the transition feels fairer, and the results are more effective.
Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme has been helping councils convene local people and move from consultation to active participation. Forums like citizens’ juries and community conversations have helped de-risk delivery by surfacing issues and opportunities early. Practical demonstrations and co-design have made it easier for residents and business to navigate complex regulations or choices. And shared ownership models are helping local people unlock the value of placed-based innovation.
Here we bring together frameworks, insights, and examples of community empowerment in action so more residents, businesses and councils can work together to improve their place.
Insights from the programme
Local authorities can start by assessing the quality of their current community engagement strategies through our Self-assessment questionnaire and consider new ways to strengthen connections with citizens so their voices shape climate and place strategies.
Register for our Lunch and Learn webinar series too, to hear how councils are employing user-centred design to help deliver new solutions that benefit people, improve local services, and open markets for economic growth.
Discover regional impact stories
Related programme
Net Zero Living
A new wave of place-based innovation is transforming UK towns, cities and communities, today. Innovate UK’s £60 million programme is helping local authorities and businesses work together to deliver new solutions that improve local services and open markets for economic growth.