The European Commission has revealed the finalists for the European Capital of Innovation with Liverpool as one of three remaining entrants. <\/p>\n
Supported by the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe, the iCapital prize is awarded to cities that act as front-runners in leveraging innovation to shape more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After an intense selection process, including interviews with six semi-finalist cities, a high-level jury of innovation leaders from academia, business, and policy has made its choice, naming Liverpool as a top three finalist. No UK city has ever won this prestigious award.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Liverpool\u2019s bid is named \u2018LIFE\u2019, which stands for \u2018Liverpool Innovates for Everyone\u2019. It is focused on what the City and the wider City Region has achieved since being European Capital of Culture in 2008, detailing the work that has been done and is ongoing to inspire young people and improve people\u2019s lives through inclusive innovation \u2013 a strategy fuelled by culture and powered by innovation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Through the shortlisting process Liverpool has been recognised for driving significant urban transformation, through its commitment to cultural regeneration and technological advancement. It has not just reflected on past successes however, but used these important milestones to accelerate and transform its ongoing strategy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Liverpool has prioritised inclusive growth and community engagement, enhancing its reputation as a leader in creativity and innovation. By fostering collaborations between arts, technology, and social sectors, Liverpool has effectively harnessed its historical and cultural assets to create dynamic economic opportunities and a vibrant innovation landscape.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mayor Steve Rotheram said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been telling everyone that will listen in government that we are an innovation powerhouse, so I\u2019m delighted Liverpool has been shortlisted to be the European Capital of Innovation. It\u2019s a powerful recognition of the incredible progress we\u2019ve made \u2013 and the bold ambitions we have for the future.<\/p>\n \u201cInnovation isn\u2019t just something we do \u2013 it\u2019s who we are. From world-first breakthroughs in science and medicine to our pioneering Innovation Zone, we\u2019re proving that when you invest in people, places and ideas, you can create something truly transformative.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs we look to the future, we want to cement our place as the go to city region for AI, advanced manufacturing and life sciences.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThis shortlisting is a testament to the creativity, resilience and talent of our people \u2013 and a signal to the world that the Liverpool City Region is leading the way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis is fantastic news for our city and reflects our growing reputation for driving innovation.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe are renowned for the way we innovate in delivering mass events of global significance, how we deliver our public services and ensure opportunities are accessible to all people regardless of their background.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBecoming European Capital of Innovation would reinforce our status as a beacon of best practice and give us further opportunity to both share our knowledge, and also learn from others.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Colin Sinclair, CEO of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) and Sciontec Developments Limited (Sciontec), said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWe are so proud that Liverpool has been recognised on the international stage for its commitment to inclusive innovation. KQ Liverpool is home to many of the city\u2019s key leaders in innovation and we are proud to have played our part in the wider efforts of Team Liverpool to reach this stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to working together to hopefully bring this title home and use it as a springboard for inspiring the next generation, for job creation and for economic growth.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The other two finalists, alongside Liverpool, are Grenoble Alpes M\u00e9tropole and Rotterdam, a previous finalist. Judges revealed today how these cities have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to fostering innovation-based ecosystems, setting an example for sustainable and inclusive urban development across Europe.<\/p>\n Find out more about the European Capital of Innovation here<\/a>. Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.\u00a0
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