From Silicon Valley to South Yorkshire: boosting innovation for economic growth

The barriers to economic growth in ‘left behind’ communities must be tackled if we are to improve the life chances of the country’s most disadvantaged people.  

That is why the Commission has established the Economic Growth and Investment Group, which was announced in February.

In the latest episode of the Social Mobility Commission podcast Robert Wilson, Social Mobility Commission Deputy Chair, is joined by Economic Growth and Investment Group Member David Richards.

David is co-founder and managing partner of Yorkshire AI Labs, a venture capital firm based in Sheffield, which seeks to ‘identify game-changers, equip them with the resources they need, and work shoulder-to-shoulder to achieve explosive growth’.  David is a software industry veteran with 25+ years of executive experience, and stalwart supporter of British technology.

Together they discuss some of the barriers to economic growth outside of London, drawing on David’s experience in South Yorkshire as well as his years of experience working in Silicon Valley.  They also explore the support needed to secure innovation and growth, the role of entrepreneurship as well as the social mobility opportunities represented by the disruptive effects of AI.

You can watch the podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple.