Sector Review and Options Assessment for Proposed National Experimental and Skills Facility

Client: University of Bristol

Location: Bristol, UK

In December 2021, SPI was commissioned by the University of Bristol to undertake an in-depth research and options assessment for a proposed national experimental and skills facility to be located in Bristol.

This assessment examined the size, shape and trends of the creative technology sector in which the new facility will operate. It also considered how the facility is able to support industry growth in the West of England region and across the UK.

The proposed facility promised to provide partner organisations working in the creative and digital sector ecosystem with access to a high-quality commercial-scale experimental space, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, technology, research capabilities, applied training, industry insights and global connections.

The study was split into two key research phases. The first provided a detailed scoping of the West of England region and UK’s creative industries R&D technology sector, including the roles and successes of Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and innovation organisations. The second focused more specifically on the market position and interest for an experimental facility, including financial forecasting and operational modelling.

Further information on SPI’s studio feasibility and business planning can be found here.

Further information on SPI sector research and analysis can be found here.