University hosts summit on regional innovation and creative economy
Posted on Monday 9 March 2026
The event, at the historic Guildhall, showcased York and North Yorkshire’s pioneering work in "CreaTech" – where technology and the creative arts intersect.
It featured demonstrations from projects supported by the AHRC and powered by University of York research. These included the XR Stories technology lab, the CoSTAR research facility, and the Archaeology Data Service (ADS). Together, they show how digital tools are being used to make the arts more accessible and to help the local economy grow.
The event kicked off with a breakfast briefing where the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, joined Professor Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), and University leaders to discuss the vital role of the creative economy in the region's future.
Immersive technology
Professor Christopher Smith said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a national success story for the cultural and creative economy, in a place that is itself an AHRC success story. York has been a phenomenal host for AHRC investments and serves as a tremendous case study for how to take the arts and humanities forward.
“The link between research, business, and industry is really important. Our investment has allowed this university and others in their networks to take the brilliant ideas being generated here and translate them into real-world applications that change lives and support companies as they scale and grow.”
XR Stories – whose pioneering work and immersive R&D facilities supports creative businesses and researchers working regionally and nationally – presented a new report on the economic and cultural impact of the creative industries in Yorkshire. The findings reveal that the creative sector now supports over 20,000 jobs and contributes £790 million to the regional economy every year.
Economic impact
With 2,600 companies currently operating in the region, the creative industries now account for 6% of all local businesses.
The report also highlights some of the barriers to growth, but puts forward a road map for future innovation and investment.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “The creative sector is an absolute powerhouse for our region. This isn't just about creativity for its own sake; it’s about our economic strengths and potential. In York and North Yorkshire, we have something distinct to offer, and when you look closely, the scale of our creative industries is huge.
“This is about the jobs and opportunities we can deliver so that people in York and North Yorkshire have a future here. We have a great foundation to work with, and now we can really accelerate that growth – moving to the next level to become the leading creative hub in the North and a competitor on the international stage.”
Impactful research
York is known internationally for its impactful research in the arts and humanities, including heritage science, digital creativity, voice-based research and the role of the arts in health and social care.
The afternoon panel discussion and Q&A with AHRC grant holders and Department Heads, focused on how York’s research aligns with the UK government’s mission-led priorities, including the green transition and digital transformation.
Professor Sarah Thompson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, at the University of York, said: “This event is a testament to York and North Yorkshire’s world-class creative sector. At the University of York we embed arts and humanities into multi disciplinary research from the very start, fueling creativity, impact and innovation.
“We are working with our partners to drive investment in the arts and humanities, including in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that the creative economy remains central to our region’s growth and identity.”
