Knowledge Exchange UK (KEUK) has highlighted the importance of collaboration, trust and place-based partnerships in helping research and innovation deliver greater economic and societal impact in places across the UK

Speaking at the Northern Accelerator Showcase 2026 in Newcastle, KEUK CEO Stuart Wilkinson shared reflections on successful research commercialisation ecosystems, drawing on examples from across the UK.

Stuart’s presentation, Boosting Research Commercialisation Ecosystems: Best Practice Reflections, explored the wide range of organisations that contribute to successful knowledge exchange and commercialisation activity. While universities, investors and businesses remain central to innovation ecosystems, effective commercialisation increasingly depends on broader networks that include government, professional services firms, science parks, charities, public sector research organisations, further education providers and community groups.

The session emphasised that thriving innovation ecosystems are built on strong relationships and a shared commitment to long-term collaboration. Key characteristics include mutual understanding, communication, collective endeavour, shared benefits and trust between partners.

Representing KEUK, Stuart highlighted the role of knowledge exchange professionals in bringing together the people, expertise and resources needed to move ideas from research through development and ultimately into deployment and impact. He also outlined the key ingredients that support successful innovation ecosystems, including people, funding, programmes, place, policy and intellectual property.

The presentation reflected on lessons emerging from innovation clusters across the UK and the growing importance of collaboration between regions. By working together around complementary strengths, common sectors and shared ambitions, regions can build the critical mass needed to support innovation-led growth and attract investment global scale.

Stuart also referenced recommendations and developments emerging from recent reviews of the UK research commercialisation landscape, including increased support for proof-of-concept funding through UK Research and Innovation; deal-readiness toolkits developed by SETsquared; the USIT guides produced by TenU; the spin-out register created by the University Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI) Policy Evidence Unit; and the review of university–investor links led by Tony Hickson of Cancer Research Horizons. He noted that these initiatives have been supported by Research England as part of wider efforts to strengthen the UK research commercialisation ecosystem.

The event also featured contributions from leading figures across the innovation and investment landscape, including Tony Hickson, Chief Business Officer at Cancer Research UK and Cancer Research Horizons, and Edward Twiddy, Co-founder of Atom Bank and Chair of Northstar Ventures. Their perspectives reinforced the importance of effective commercialisation pathways, investment readiness and regional innovation-led growth.

Michael Parker, KEUK Board Member, said:

“The Northern Accelerator SCENE Showcase was a fantastic event, featuring excellent keynote speakers and a series of high-quality pitches that demonstrated the breadth and quality of commercialisation opportunities across the North East. It was the perfect follow-up to the launch of the Spinout Inspire Fund and an important step in our mission to create more high-growth companies in the region.”

The Northern Accelerator Showcase brings together researchers, universities, investors, businesses and innovation leaders to highlight some of the many ventures being developed into commercial opportunities and their wider societal benefit in a wide variety of fields. KEUK’s contribution reinforced the value of strong, connected ecosystems in helping ideas move from discovery to impact.

Stuart Wilkinson, KEUK CEO, said:

“Successful research commercialisation depends on more than great research. It requires strong ecosystems built on collaboration, trust and shared ambition anchored in places across the UK. Knowledge exchange professionals play a vital role in connecting organisations, people and opportunities, helping research deliver real-world impact.”