Professor Solomon Darwin, from the University of California Berkeley, ran special workshops with senior NHS leaders and members of the North West Coast Academic Health Science Network (NWCASN), as well as with the owners and managers of small and medium sized Lancashire-based businesses, at Lancaster University Management School.

Professor Darwin, who is an honorary member of LUMS's Department of Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Innovation, presented thought-provoking interactive workshops concerned with open innovation and the "triple helix", (the connectivity between industry, government and universities). He also presented a number of fascinating, cutting-edge healthcare-related examples from across the globe.

Lisa Butland, Director of Innovation and Research from the North West Coast Academic Science Network, which co-hosted the health-related workshops, said: "The event was a great success welcoming a wide range of NHS organisations, academic colleagues from the Management School, Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine and industry to hear from Professor Solomon Darwin who delivered two brilliant presentations exploring exponential innovations, the changing landscape, the nature of the triple helix model and why it is becoming increasingly critical that government entities, universities and enterprises work together for sustainable growth.

“We hope to work with Lancaster University again very soon to deliver more innovation-focussed events.”

During his brief visit, Professor Darwin also delivered a masterclass on open innovation and open business models to an audience of North West SMEs, academics and postgraduate students.

Helen Fogg, Head of Business Engagement (International) in the Department of Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Innovation, said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome Professor Darwin to the University. He is able to provide global insights on innovation from both the US and emerging economies, which he then adapts to present thought-provoking ideas and practical tools for a range of audiences.”