KQ Liverpool backs city bid for European innovation title in 2028
Colin Sinclair and Emily Robson of KQ Liverpool gather with fellow iCapital alumni members at the launch of the 2027 European Capital of Innovation Awards in Aalborg.
Knowledge Quarter Liverpool has pledged its support for Liverpool’s bid for the title of European Capital of Innovation in 2028, after narrowly missing out this year.
Having played an integral role in the city’s application for the 2026 iCapital contest, where Liverpool finished in the final three, the organisation says ‘Team Liverpool’ now has its sights on securing the prize in two years’ time, as previous finalists are unable to apply in consecutive years.
As part of the bid, a city region-wide steering group is set to be established to shape the next submission, in addition to a citizens’ panel to make it as representative and inclusive as possible.
The iCapital Awards recognise cities which are innovating for a better future, reinforcing democracy and citizens’ rights by finding solutions to societal challenges, such as climate change, digitalisation, sustainable growth, or social cohesion.
Since reaching the 2026 final, Liverpool has joined the prestigious iCapital alumni network, allowing it to access enhanced knowledge exchange and partnerships across Europe, pursue jointly-funded research projects via the Horizon programme, and increase trade and investment opportunities with fellow innovation-focussed cities within the network.
Nominations for the 2027 edition opened this week at a launch event held in Aalborg, Denmark, attracting innovation and civic leaders from across Europe, including KQ Liverpool CEO Colin Sinclair and assistant CEO Emily Robson.
Cllr. Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Cabinet Member for Innovation, said:
“The benefits of being a finalist in the iCapital Awards are already clear and we are enjoying the expanded relationships with our friends and partners in cities across the continent. Our reputation for innovation has also been boosted at a national level, and we have been approached by fellow UK cities to support their bids for the title in 2027.
“However, we want to go one step further and clinch the title of European Capital of Innovation for 2028. This is something we believe the city region both deserves and needs as we endeavour to put Liverpool and the UK firmly on the global innovation map.”
Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool and chair of the Invest Liverpool City Region Partnership Taskforce, said:
“To maximise the strength of our future bid, we need to get to work on it now and act with a collective voice, which is why we’re setting up a cross-agency public/private sector steering group to support the curation of the bid, underpinned by insight from a citizens panel. Led by Liverpool City Council, our bid will be for the whole of the city region and we want it to be as representative and authentic as possible.
“We are currently exploring other opportunities to build our worldwide profile and the 2028 bid is an important next step on our journey to create a sustainable innovation economy for future generations.
“Furthermore, 2028 will be the 20th anniversary of Liverpool winning the European Capital of Culture title. What better way to celebrate that momentous year in the City’s history and the hugely positive legacy it gave us all, than by going all out to be the European Capital of Innovation too.”
Emily Robson, Assistant Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, added:
“Liverpool being named as Europe’s third most innovative city in 2026 felt like an important and timely convergence with our own 10th anniversary celebrations at KQ Liverpool.
“The strong partnership between the City and City Region combined with Liverpool’s global brand, plus our own Innovation District’s expanding impact, has resulted in the advent of new opportunities, including hosting the UK Innovation Districts Group Summit in Liverpool next month for the very first time.
“As we also embark on a newly-commissioned thought leadership piece with the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, we can reflect on Liverpool's journey over the last decade from inception to world-wide recognition, and identify ways to create future prosperity for local communities.”
