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Goal 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure

Global industrialisation has always brought about economic winners and losers. Underdeveloped countries need help to build economies, have the infrastructure in place, be able to achieve technological innovation, increase manufacturing output and be able to trade internationally to advance.

Working in partnership both locally and globally, we are tackling each of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through our research and knowledge exchange, education and student experience, and through our operations. Discover how our unique commitments align with and support Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

Research and knowledge exchange

Our digital innovation capabilities bridge the gap between academia and industry, driving commercial advantage through collaboration and innovation in our facilities. The leads in the integration and exploitation of virtual engineering technologies such as advanced modelling and simulation.   Recent research published in the journal Nature Optimality guarantees for crystal structure prediction could signal a step change in the quest to design the new materials that are needed to meet the challenge of net zero and a sustainable future. The paper Superionic lithium transport via multiple coordination environments defined by two anion packing, published in Science, discovered a solid lithium-ion conductor made from non-toxic, earth-abundant elements, offering a safer, higher-capacity alternative to liquid electrolytes in rechargeable batteries, potentially transforming energy storage for electric vehicles and electronics.

Operations

The University supports SDG 9 by focusing on innovation, industry collaboration, and enhancing infrastructure. It operates world-class research centres like the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) and the Digital Innovation Facility (DIF), which drive industrial innovation through advanced research on sustainable materials and healthcare technologies. The University partners with businesses, startups, and SMEs through initiatives like Eco-I North West to bridge academic research with real-world industrial applications, fostering resilient industries. Additionally, the University plays a key role in the development of the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, providing state-of-the-art research and innovation spaces like the HEMISPHERE, which will support the growing demand for advanced infrastructure in life sciences, chemistry, and technology. Innovation and industry growth are integrated into the University’s daily activities, contributing to sustainable economic development.

Education and student experience

The University offers several courses that focus on industry, innovation and infrastructure, particularly in fields related to technological advancements and sustainable practices. Notably, programs like, Building Information Modelling and Digital Transformation delve into the impact of digital technologies on the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. This course equips students with expertise in innovative tools like BIM software, which fosters industry collaboration and transforms project planning and delivery through digital design and automation. Additionally, the University supports students in exploring industrial innovation through partnerships with industry bodies, such as the Virtual Engineering Centre, where students can engage in real-world challenges and digital transformations Furthermore, programs in fields like environmental sciences, engineering, and energy management provide students with the skills necessary to drive sustainability within industries. We support entrepreneurial students by offering advice and opportunities for financial backing through the Design Your Future programme, which helps fund and develop business ideas. Additionally, students can apply for awards ranging from £500 to £5,000 through the Enterprise Fund to further develop existing or early-stage business concepts.

Case studies

Mayor Steve Rotheram visits Digital Innovation Facility

In February 2024, Mayor Steve Rotheram visited the University’s Digital Innovation Facility to explore its achievements and discuss enhancing the Liverpool City Region’s digital and AI capabilities. The DIF, supported by the University and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Local Growth Fund, is a hub for developing and applying next-generation digital technologies across industry and the public sector. In over 18 months, the DIF has facilitated over 100 collaborations, secured more than £5m in investment, and helped establish the UK’s first National Centre for Digital Heritage Research. It supports SMEs in the region through programs led by the Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC), co-located at the DIF. During his visit, Mayor Rotheram toured the facility, met with the Digital Media Society Institute (DMSI), and viewed the Meta-Liverpool map—a digital asset and policy modeling tool. He also learned about advancements in the Autonomous Chemistry lab, which is pioneering the use of autonomous robotics in chemistry. Mayor Rotheram expressed his ambition to position the region as a leader in emerging technologies, emphasising the potential of AI to create high-skilled jobs, improve public services, and drive regional success. The DIF, with its six advanced laboratories, is central to this vision, integrating research and commercial expertise to advance digital technologies.

Revolutionising AI software

Researchers at the University of Liverpool, in collaboration with IBM, developed an AI assistant to assist synthetic chemists in discovering cost-effective methods for creating organic molecules. Published in Nature Chemistry, the study described how the AI software used Bayesian optimisation to recommend the next experiments based on prior results. The system helped create a catalyst formulation for carbon-carbon bond formation that replaced the expensive metal iridium. Professor Andrew Cooper emphasised that while Bayesian optimisation is effective, it must incorporate fundamental chemical principles to avoid inefficient trials. This AI tool guided researchers through 107 experiments, reducing the number of potential combinations to discover iridium-free catalysts. This advancement in computational techniques promises significant improvements in optimising chemical reactions.

Driving success at LCR Innovation Investment Week

The University of Liverpool played a pivotal role in the inaugural Liverpool City Region (LCR) Innovation Investment Week, held from May 14–16, 2024. The event showcased local and global innovation opportunities, highlighting the University’s involvement in several key initiatives. This included supporting the launch of the Life Sciences Investment Zone, which aims to attract £800 million in investment and create 8,000 jobs. The University also hosted a reception at the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), where Professor Matt Rosseinsky presented on digital tools in material science. The week featured a Dragons’ Den-style pitching event, where innovative University spin-outs like AI Sight Ltd presented their ideas to investors, and the University contributed to the Pint of Science festival with over 40 academics engaging the public in scientific discussions. Additionally, Professor Andrew Owen spoke at the Bionow Pharma Manufacturing Conference on new technologies developed at the University’s Centre of Excellence for Long-acting Therapeutics. The week underscored the University’s commitment to driving regional innovation, strengthening ties between academia, industry, and the community to foster economic growth.