My research embraces an inter-disciplinary approach with a strong research interest in the interplay between economic governance, innovation, regional development and place-based industrial strategy. 

I have a long-standing interest in exploring the nature of relationships between firms and public and private 'anchor institutions' (such as universities or OEMs) within regional clusters (and/or ‘industrial districts’), regional innovation eco-systems and more broadly within inter-firm and industry networks, which tend to have a wider geographical scope. I am especially interested in how place-based industrial strategies (such as Smart Specialisation) can be utlised to foster economic resilience and more balanced and inclusive growth at the regional level.  These issues are at the forefront of contemporary European economic policy debates, and in which I have made a significant contribution to the business economics, management, policy and social science literature, with over 100 articles published in leading academic journals, books, book chapters, consultancy reports and media articles. My Google Scholar profile can be viewed here. 

In the School of Management, I am the Co-Director of the Centre for Governance, Regulation & Industrial Strategy (CGR&IS) and I also work closely with the University's Institute for Policy Research (IPR).  I am a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and also of the Regional Studies Association, and since 2021, I have been the Policy Debates Editor at Regional Studies. My research been received by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Department for Transport, NESTA, Innovate UK, The TUC, Industry Trade Associations and other business and regional organisations. I have also addressed the All Parliamentary Manufacturing Group of MPs on industrial/innovation policy and given other presentations at the UK Houses of Parliament. I have also been an invited chair and speaker at the EU Commission (Joint Research Council) Smarter Conference on Smart Specialisation and Territorial Development in Seville, and at the EU's European Week of Regions and Cities. 

My work has previously been funded (among others) by the EPSRC, the ESRC, the European Union and the Regional Studies Association. I have also undertaken several consultancy projects in relation to regional development for LEPS and local government. I have previously sat on SWLEP's Industrial Strategy Advisory Panel, and I am a current member of WECA's Skills Advisory Panel. 

I welcome enquiries from potential PhD students who are interested in issues with regard to regional economic development, economic governance, and place-based industrial strategy (such as Smart Specialisation).

I am particularly interested in proposals that aim to uncover new insights in these areas through empirical investigation (either via qualitative and/or quantitative approaches) and possibly through studies which are international in scope, and which aim to provide lessons for both industrial and public policy.