Research
Dane earned his PhD from the University of Liverpool Management School in 2014, with his research funded by the ESRC. His doctoral work examined the agglomeration and development of the video game and life sciences/healthcare industries in the Liverpool City Region, conducted in collaboration with Liverpool Vision, an economic development agency.
Building on this foundation, Dane has developed strong partnerships and undertaken consultancy work with local and combined authorities in Liverpool and Greater Manchester, concentrating on innovation districts and creative sector clusters, with a specific focus on agency through place leadership. His research centres on strategic and sustainable regional and urban development, and his recent publications explore themes such as place leadership, strategy in city regions, and the inclusive, sustainable development of UK cities.
In addition to his academic work, Dane is deeply engaged with the community. He has served as a trustee for various charities and third-sector organizations and currently acts as a school governor for both a primary and secondary school in Leigh.
Dane’s pedagogical research is particularly focused on enhancing management education and student employability. His interests include evaluating management simulations and technology that offer experiential learning aligned with real-world business scenarios. He has also incorporated international trips into his curriculum, enabling students to gain a global perspective on industry practices and regional economic development. Committed to advancing skills and employability, Dane emphasizes hands-on, practical learning experiences that bridge theory and practice, equipping students with essential career skills. His research in this area assesses the impact of these methods on student outcomes and the development of professional competencies aligned with employer demands.