People, skills and purpose: Shaping the UK’s innovation ecosystem together

The report reflects the optimism and shared sense of purpose that reflects progress and learning from the past year, charting a bold direction for the future. Debbie Johnson, Head of Innovation Talent and Skills at Innovate UK, set the tone on the day by emphasising that the UK’s innovation potential rests on its people and the opportunities created for every individual to thrive.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Talent and Skills: The heart of innovation

The opening dialogue between Tom Adeyoola, Exec Chair of Innovate UK, and Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, underscored that innovation and talent are inseparable. The UK’s ability to lead in frontier technologies depends on anticipating change and investing in people as much as in technology. Both leaders called for a system that is agile, connected, and inclusive, with skills development seen as vital infrastructure for long-term prosperity.

2. Building connections and breaking barriers

The panel led by Rosie Peacock highlighted the evolution of the Talent & Skills Connect, from the hope of simplification and collaboration to a national platform linking Catapults, industry bodies, and regional partners. The consensus: while innovation is thriving, the skills system remains fragmented. Examples of success are consistently underpinned by collaboration, local engagement, and creating clear pathways between education and industry.

3. Aligning strategy and skills for the future

The second panel led by Jennifer Postles explored how the UK can align industrial strategy with skills development, especially in critical technologies like AI and quantum. The need for coherence and connecting successful isolated programmes, was a recurring theme. Lifelong learning, foresight, and inclusivity were identified as pillars of a future-ready workforce.

4. Empowering SMEs

Provocation posed by Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, spotlighted the challenges faced by SMEs, which make up over 99% of UK companies. While the appetite for engagement is strong, complexity and lack of support often hinder participation. Practical solutions discussed included longer-term funding, shared apprenticeship models, and hands-on brokerage to help SMEs navigate the system.

5. Innovation as mindset and culture

Justine Fosh, CEO of Cogent Skills, posed a provocation that emphasised that innovation is a competence, not a department. Creating environments where people feel safe to experiment and fail is essential. Recommendations included extending funding horizons, embedding experiential learning, and rewarding risk-taking.

6. Closing the digital skills gap

Lorna Willis, CEO of Tech Skills, addressed the urgent need to make digital and technical career pathways more accessible and aspirational, provoking discussion focused on overcoming cultural biases, aligning curricula with industry needs, and leveraging technology to support inclusivity and opportunity.

Key Takeaways

• Collaboration and Connection: Greater alignment across sectors, technologies, regions, and government is needed to turn good practice into shared practice.
• Empowering SMEs: Simplify processes and sustain engagement to ensure small businesses can fully participate in the innovation ecosystem.
• Anticipating Future Skills: Combine horizon scanning with real-time workforce intelligence to keep training systems in step with technological change.
• Lifelong Learning: Foster a culture where learning is continuous and adaptable to rapid change.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Embrace diverse backgrounds and perspectives as drivers of creativity and innovation.
• Coherence and Confidence: Align funding, policy, and partnerships around shared goals, making the system easier to navigate for all.

Looking Ahead

The conference concluded with a sense of optimism and collective resolve. Talent & Skills Connect has matured into a living network capable of influencing policy, shaping practice, and amplifying the voices of those driving change.

The final message: innovation happens in teams, communities, classrooms, and businesses of all sizes. The UK’s future success depends on connecting people, supporting their journeys, and making the UK the best place to turn talent into impactful innovation.

The full report is available for a deeper dive into these insights and more.