In recent months, Sheffield's two universities launched the £4m South Yorkshire Innovation Programme (SYIP) to help local businesses and organisations of all sizes to collaborate and innovate.

At a time when demand for its services is growing rapidly, the NHS is facing an acute shortage of skilled staff. Could degree apprenticeships, in which students train on the job in the health service, be the answer?

By Dean Naidoo, Associate Head of the Sheffield Creative Industries Institute at Sheffield Hallam University

The UK stands at a critical crossroads in public health. As we face rising rates of preventable conditions and widening health inequalities, it's becoming increasingly clear that our traditional approach to healthcare - one that prioritises treatment over prevention - is no longer sustainable.

Yorkshire has a major role to play in Britain’s economic future, of that there is no doubt, but we need to understand the challenges we face if we want to seize the opportunity. Economic growth in our part of the world is particularly reliant on high-skilled jobs, and having people available to fill those jobs.

At Sheffield Hallam, we work closely with partners at key institutions across South Yorkshire. Collaboration happens all over our region and is one of the fundamental ingredients of a dynamic and growing economy.

This month, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) announced £50 million funding for nine universities to make up a new research consortium to help address inequalities in maternal health.

The COP29 climate conference concluded 33 hours late, with a final sprint of chaotic late-night negotiations.

Labour’s industrial strategy green paper, Invest 2035:The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, sets out the scale of work that needs to be done to achieve their vision for economic growth.

By Alexandra Anderson, Associate Professor in Enterprise, Sheffield Business School, Head of the Centre for Business, Growth and Transformation