South Yorkshire has been named as the first Investment Zone under the UK Government's new programme, with a focus on advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation.
The announcement on 14 July 2023 set out plans for targeted public support to encourage businesses to invest, expand and develop new technologies across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.
The programme builds on the region's existing Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District and its links to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. It is intended to support new manufacturing facilities, research programmes and the development of specialist skills.
As part of the announcement, regional partners identified a Boeing-led research project focused on lightweight aviation structures. The Investment Zone was expected to help attract around £1.2 billion of private investment and support 8,000 jobs by 2030.
These investment and employment figures describe the expected contribution of the programme. The designation established an initial framework through which individual projects and investments could progress.