Former Cabinet Minister Greg Clark has been appointed as the first Executive Chair of Warwick Innovation District– a new entity founded by The University of Warwick. 

Mr Clark was a senior minister for nearly 10 years, including serving as Business Secretary, Levelling Up Secretary, Minister for Science and Universities and Financial Secretary to the Treasury. During the last Parliament he was elected by the whole House of Commons to Chair the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee.  

In office, Greg Clark was responsible for the development of the UK Industrial Strategy and for the City and Devolution Deals which have established Mayoral Combined Authorities covering half of the population of England - including the West Midlands. 

Commenting on his appointment Greg Clark said: “This is one of the most exciting times in history for science, technology and innovation. We have an extraordinary national opportunity to accelerate innovation and discovery and so to drive growth and prosperity across the whole country.  

“Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya established in the Warwick Manufacturing Group a motor of growth internationally, in the UK and for the Midlands. I’m excited to have the opportunity to take forward that legacy in Warwick Manufacturing Group and across the University”.  

The creation of the Warwick Innovation District is part of the University’s vision to ensure that education and research drives positive economic and societal impact in collaboration with the public and private sectors.  It will build upon the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s work over four decades as a role model for collaboration between academia and industry, driving innovation to develop the brightest ideas and talent”.  

The new company will oversee developments such as Arden Cross and the expansion of the Stratford-Upon-Avon Innovation Campus as well as the University’s Science Park. The goal is to create collaboration across different institutions that work together to tackle real-world challenges, including global sustainability goals. This initiative also aims to enhance the innovation culture within the University.   

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick explained: “Greg’s extensive expertise in forming national industrial strategy is a huge asset. Having chaired the Advisory Board of Warwick Manufacturing Group he knows full well the opportunities for us to deliver transformative and positive change regionally, nationally and internationally”.  

“As a university we are always focused on the application of our research and education. As we put together a holistic strategy for innovation at Warwick, our ambition is to attract more inward investment, commercialise applications for new technologies, create jobs and develop new business models to enable economic growth”.    

Greg Clark, who takes up the post in October, will be the driving force behind the establishment of the new organisation.  

Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, commented: “Warwick Manufacturing Group has had a great impact on both the West Midlands and the country, and I'm delighted Greg Clark will be building on that legacy. 

“The future of manufacturing and its critical role delivering economic growth across the nation will be at the heart of this government's industrial strategy.  

“By bringing academia and industry together Warwick Innovation District will be part of delivering that, and I'm looking forward to working with Greg and the team there." 

Welcoming the appointment, Richard Parker, The Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Greg’s work in shaping the UK’s industrial strategy, in addition to his work as Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee, will help drive our region’s ambitions to drive economic growth through innovation, skills, business growth and local development. 

“The University of Warwick is a key player in helping us to achieve our ambitions and I look forward to working collaboratively as we all strive to create positive change for people who live, work and do business in the West Midlands”.