- With a strong track record of working with industry, the University of Sheffield is set to play a key role in the UK government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy
- The strategy sets out government’s plan to strengthen UK defence and boost local economies through investment in research and skills
Through its extensive and long-standing partnerships with industry and its recognised excellence in advanced manufacturing and materials, the University of Sheffield can play a crucial role in helping the UK government deliver its new Defence Industrial Strategy.
Published this week (8 September 2025), the strategy outlines the government’s plan to support UK defence in response to evolving global threats, whilst boosting local economies. The plan aims to create jobs that range from highly skilled engineering positions to apprenticeships for young people who are starting their careers.
The strategy also includes a Defence Growth Deal for South Yorkshire to harness the region’s strengths in research and development to deliver the innovations in engineering, materials and advanced manufacturing that are critical to the next generation of UK defence capabilities.
Playing a central role in South Yorkshire’s research and innovation ecosystem, the University works with companies ranging from local SMEs to some of the UK’s largest manufacturers, driving innovation and training the next generation of engineers. Our research collaborations with organisations in the defence sector helps them overcome productivity and sustainability challenges, supporting UK national security and sovereign capabilities. All of the University’s defence research aligns with its institutional values and is subject to thorough scrutiny and governance, ensuring it contributes responsibly to national priorities.
Professor Ash Tiwari, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said: “The research and innovation capabilities at the University of Sheffield is critical to driving economic growth in the South Yorkshire region and to supporting national priorities, including defence and security.
“We have a strong track record of working with industrial partners to overcome their key challenges in productivity and manufacturing. We also have one of the largest cohorts of engineering students in the UK, training the future workforce and developing the skills that businesses and the nation need.
“We look forward to supporting the government in this exciting opportunity to boost the economy of South Yorkshire and contribute to increasing the UK’s defensive capabilities.”
The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, has set a new standard for collaboration between academia and industry. It has helped attract advanced manufacturing businesses and their supply chains to South Yorkshire, giving them access to a skills pipeline of talent to power their factories.
The University of Sheffield AMRC has recently worked with EY-Parthenon to outline clear actions to unlock growth and secure sovereign defence capability, as well as the central role the AMRC can play in helping the UK to overcome innovation, capacity and capability challenges.
Ben Morgan, Interim CEO of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), said: “The AMRC warmly welcomes the government’s defence industrial strategy. This joined-up approach is a vital step in strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities while championing innovation and industrial resilience.
“It rightly recognises the critical role of the advanced manufacturing industry and the skills that sit at its heart, and the AMRC in delivering cutting-edge solutions to complex defence challenges.”
He added: “Defence is not only essential to national security — it’s a powerful engine for jobs, investment and regional growth. We’re proud to support a sector that drives high-value skills and collaboration across industry, academia and government.”
