Yorkshire is a testbed for government research and innovation funding being allocated through communities, businesses, and public sector organisations for the first time.

The Communities Innovating Yorkshire (CIY) Fund, administered by the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP), has seen £800,000 given out to businesses, community groups and public bodies in the region for projects ranging from local food growing networks to jobs and skills programmes and targeted support for businesses. Whilst academics could be included as project partners, the programme prioritises collaborations working in local spaces for funding.