The event, hosted in the University's New Adelphi building, showcased a keynote address by Arjen Cooper Rolfe, CEO of Involvement. Arjen pinpointed seven crucial steps beneficial for businesses aiming to augment growth and retain eminent talent.

Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Salford City Council, also attended and elucidated the significant role of the CSI in spurring local economic growth and aiding local enterprises.

The event featured two industry panel discussions, presided over by Kai Ojo, CEO of Planisware, and Dr Ann Mulhaney, Associate Professor of Change Management. The discourse revolved around two primary objectives of the CSI: aiding businesses with digital transformation strategies and fostering sustainable innovation.

Panellists included Angel Jimenez-Aranda, Associate Professor of Digital Transformation; Darren Earnshaw, Technology Director at Barclays; Rachael Shah, Head of Digital and Sustainability at Swiscot; Marie Hamilton, GM Region Lead at Microsoft; Tim Griggs, Director of Digital Services at Arup; Lucy Mullighan from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce; and Yvonne Grady and Mike Blackburn from The Growth Company.

The CSI's mission is to forge links between distinguished academics and industry front-runners, bolstering partners in growth and innovation, with a focus on Sustainability, Change Management, and Digital Transformation.

Sara Boswell, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Innovation, commented: “It’s a really special day for Salford Business School as we launch the CSI: I’d like to thank everyone who came down to the launch event. The School already has a reputation for its strong industry partnerships, and the CSI provides an opportunity for us to link even more closely with business leaders across all industries. We have already appointed Associate Professors in our focus areas of digital transformation, sustainability and change management, in order to offer our partners tailored and expert support in what is a challenging and competitive economic landscape. Work has already begun on a number of large scale growth and Innovation programmes to help support the business community, so watch this space for more information coming soon!”

Tom Stannard, Chief Executive at Salford City Council, added: “The University of Salford has long been a key driver of growth in our city, and the new Centre for Sustainable Innovation will undoubtably provide further opportunities for our local business leaders to tackle new challenges and ensure a robust and prosperous future. Working across academic and industry boundaries will be mutually beneficial for all parties, and I look forward to working closely with the CSI team to continue to build a thriving economy for the city and beyond.”