Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Met leads on the CDI programme, driving capacity building and co-hosting the community outreach to help businesses transform, innovate and become more commercially viable by harnessing digital technologies. They provide technical assistance around specialist subjects of AI, Cyber, Industrial Digitisation and Immersive Technologies.
Manchester Met delivers the workshop element of the programme, supporting business owners to understand the innovation process from the business school perspective:
- How design sprints work
- Evaluate your idea before spending any money on it
- Work with our industry partners on IP and R&D tax credits
In partnership with GM Colleges, Manchester Met also support the CDI roadshows that bring the exciting opportunities that surround the technology to the whole of Greater Manchester.
Meet the Manchester Metropolitan University Team
Jennie Shorley
Principal Investigator
Jennie is the Academic Director at the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Metropolitan University and PI for CDI. Jennie is a strategic leader in various aspects of engagement and knowledge exchange and is passionate about connecting the university, research and education with society and business.
Manchester Metropolitan University
James Crawley
Academic Lead
James is a Senior Lecturer in Enterprise at Manchester Met, with many years’ experience working alongside SME owners to help them achieve their growth potential.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Professor Darren Dancey
Head of Department of Computing and Mathematics
Darren has a research background in AI with a PhD in neural networks. His main contribution was developing methods to address the so-called black-box problem of AI systems. He is a strong advocate of industry and academia working together to solve societal challenges.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Carl Diver
Director of PrintCity
Carl is a Professor of Innovative Manufacturing and the Director of PrintCity as well as the Faculty of Science and Engineering Theme Lead for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Toby Dubois-Heys
Professor in Digital Media
Toby is a Professor in Digital Media in the School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Met.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Chris Taylor
Reader
Chris is a Reader and thematic lead for innovation in the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Met. His research focuses on bridging the gap between innovation theory and practice, developing a new framework to support innovation in SMEs.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Paula Brennan
Project Manager
Paula is a project manager with a deep understanding of innovation and enterprise in higher education. She has led and supported the delivery of large-scale, externally funded programmes and complex initiatives, driving collaborative delivery across diverse stakeholders. She is passionate about fostering business growth through strategic industry-academic and cross-industry partnerships that deliver impactful innovation and economic value.
Manchester Metropolitan University
Abigail Knox
Project Co-ordinator
Manchester Metropolitan University
“Greater Manchester is a pioneer in cutting-edge digital technologies. By bringing together the consortium of universities and key industry partners, CDI allows Greater Manchester businesses to tap into and utilise this breadth of North West expertise. It is fantastic to be part of such an exciting programme that aims to future-proof businesses and help them thrive and grow in the current climate and ultimately greatly impact the North West economy.”
