Professor Mandy Parkinson, Chair of Business Innovation here at Salford Business School, has a long history of advancing entrepreneurship within Greater Manchester, developing innovation clusters that span digital and sustainable ecosystems in the region. Her vast experience in the enterprise and innovation spaces has had a lasting impact on the regional economy, helping to drive growth and productivity across many now successful businesses.
Here, Mandy shares with us some of her career highlights, plus insight on what she’s working on currently.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
My journey into academia was not linear; I worked in different positions in professional services and education. Initially, I served as a Personal Assistant to Dr Sally Sager, an expert in regional and economic affairs at the University of Manchester. During this time, I was introduced to European funding to support innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
I spent the intervening years in various academic knowledge exchange roles across the sector, before becoming the Director of the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Metropolitan University. During my time there, I achieved significant milestones, including the development of a cross-university multi-disciplinary consortia to deliver Cyber and AI innovations to SMEs in the region. I spearheaded numerous initiatives that supported local businesses and fostered a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship within the community.
My efforts led to the successful acquisition of external funding for knowledge exchange initiatives that facilitated the development of new programmes aimed at nurturing micro and small-to-medium enterprises to innovate. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in establishing partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions and government bodies, which amplified the impact on regional economic growth.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
I joined the University of Salford to help establish the Centre for Sustainable Innovation and lead innovative research and knowledge exchange initiatives. My role allows me to collaborate with senior leadership and external partners, fostering a culture of innovation and research which aligns with my career focus on impactful innovation solutions.
The University of Salford was particularly appealing at this time due to its strong commitment to regional development and its strategic location within Greater Manchester, a hub for technological advancement and economic growth. The institution’s forward-thinking approach and emphasis on practical, real-world applications of research make it an ideal environment for driving projects that can make a significant difference.
For me, Salford was the right choice for pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating lasting impact.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
The best aspect of being an academic at Salford is the opportunity to lead and deliver high-impact innovation initiatives that are tailored to address regional needs. I truly value the chance to work alongside my amazing colleagues and industry partners, creating solutions that not only benefit the community but also drive economic growth.
At Salford, I have had the privilege of leading projects that have made a tangible difference, for example the KnowDigital skills platform, the Innovation Lab Carbon Calculator and more recently DICE+. The collaborative environment and the vibrant spirit of innovation here inspire me to push boundaries and make a significant impact.
Having the ability to work with dedicated professionals and partners in such a dynamic and supportive environment is truly fulfilling.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
Some of my career highlights include:
- Developing the Centre for Sustainable Innovation concept here at Salford, launching this with my colleague, Professor Francine Morris, and seeing our vision realised by the amazing team
- Establishing and leading AI (artificial intelligence) and cyber collaborations: my significant achievements include founding the Centre for Digital Innovation, Greater Manchester AI Foundry and the Greater Manchester Cyber Foundry. These initiatives have been instrumental in driving technological advancements in the region, bringing together academia, industry and government to create cutting-edge solutions
- Winning the Triple Helix Female Entrepreneurial Leader for Europe 2023 award: it was an honour to be acknowledged for my efforts in pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and mentoring
- Growing the Centre for Enterprise: under my leadership, the Centre for Enterprise saw its turnover grow to £45 million. I expanded its initiatives from three to 16 innovation initiatives, significantly enhancing its impact on the local business community and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship
What’s your current research focused on?
My current research focuses on the impact of technology adoption on micro-businesses, as well as AI and cyber innovation. I find it particularly rewarding to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by micro-businesses in navigating digital transformation. This involves understanding the dynamics of how top-down and bottom-up management strategies influence technology adoption in these small enterprises. By leveraging insights from AI and Cyber innovations, I aim to provide practical solutions that enhance the resilience and competitiveness of micro-businesses, which make up 95% of all businesses in the UK.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
Yes, I have authored several chapters, including:
- Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Build SMEs’ Resilience Amid the Global Covid-19 Pandemic in the Research and Innovation Forum (2022 book)
- A Human-Centric Approach to Digital Transformation in the Research and Innovation Forum (2024 book)
- Navigating Technology Adoption in Micro-businesses: Unveiling the Dynamics of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Management Strategies in the Research and Innovation Forum (2024 book)
And finally, the all important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
I love the Old Fire Station!