Liverpool crowned global ‘City of Innovation’

The United Nations World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has awarded Liverpool the distinction of being one of the inaugural recipients of its ‘City of Innovation’ title. Liverpool shares this honor with its sister city Shanghai and Charleroi in Belgium, after impressing an independent international jury of nine members with a bold and inclusive vision focused on ‘innovating for tomorrow.’

Liverpool’s successful bid was spearheaded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, with backing from Liverpool City Council and Sci-Tech Daresbury. The bid emphasized plans to amplify initiatives that unleash the creative and growth potential of the city’s diverse communities and businesses, aiming to transform the wider city region in the process. This new global accolade follows Liverpool’s recognition last year as a runner-up for the European Capital of Innovation, reinforcing its status as a leader in place-based innovation policy and practical application across the UK.

The city’s longstanding dedication to leveraging world-class scientific and technological expertise, alongside its distinctive social and geographic assets, underpins its ability to tackle societal challenges and stimulate economic development. Winning the WIPO ‘City of Innovation’ award will enhance Liverpool’s international reputation as a collaborative and pioneering innovation hub. In addition to gaining worldwide recognition, Liverpool will receive an official plaque and a specially designed trophy to commemorate the achievement.

Expressing his satisfaction with the accolade, Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Cabinet Member for Public Service Innovation, remarked, “Having been a finalist in the European Capital of Innovation awards last year, I am delighted that Liverpool has continued to strive for excellence winning this new, globally renowned City of Innovation title today.” He added that the city region stakeholders are ready to act on the commitments laid out in their winning bid, aiming to set a benchmark for future innovation cities.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, also commented on the significance of the award, stating, “I’ve long said that we’re the UK’s innovation capital, and now we’ve got a global award to back it up.” He underscored the practical impact of innovation for local residents, emphasizing the creation of high-quality jobs and investment to address major challenges. Rotheram concluded with a hopeful outlook on building further upon this international recognition to continue driving progress.

Liverpool’s dedication to innovation has been acknowledged by the United Nations in other contexts as well. In 2024, the city was named the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action under the UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action programme. The WIPO award was announced at a ceremony held on 12th October at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva, coinciding with the Sixth meeting of the UN Forum of Mayors. Cllr Graham Morgan, Deputy Mayor of the Liverpool City Region and Leader of Knowsley Council, accepted the award on the city’s behalf.

In an important development tied to this framework of innovation and intellectual property, WIPO and the University of Liverpool signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on IP education. This agreement paves the way for a new, pioneering LL.M. program specializing in Intellectual Property, Innovation, and Sustainable Creative Industries, marking the first collaboration of its kind between WIPO and a UK university.

Colin Sinclair, Chair of the Invest Liverpool City Region Partnership Taskforce and Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, highlighted the collaborative nature of Liverpool’s approach: “Being named as the first WIPO City of Innovation is testament to the collaborative efforts of our quadruple helix partnerships across the Liverpool City Region, who are using inclusive innovation mechanisms to democratise R&D, and ensure genuine co-creation with direct, hyper-local benefits.” He also noted that the MoU and award would accelerate Liverpool’s efforts by mobilizing investors, innovators, government, academia, health bodies, and communities to focus on invention and commercialization, ultimately aiming to enhance lives and drive sustainable growth both locally and globally

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