THE chancellor has given the go-ahead for a Dorset-backed study of the most promising areas for investing in science and innovation.

The audit was proposed by Innovation South, a consortium of 94 bodies including Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Bournemouth’s universities.

Innovation South will work, with government support, to map areas of outstanding strength in science and innovation and show where there is potential for the region to lead the world.

The consortium had said argued that the south was unrivalled for a combination of digital “enabling technologies”, with application in a host of key sectors.

Lorna Carver, director of Dorset LEP, said: “This is good news for the South of England, including Dorset, and positions it as a region of world leading innovators and entrepreneurs.

“The Science and Innovation Audit will enable us to showcase the world-leading research and innovation taking place across the Innovation South region, exemplified through Dorset’s business clusters of aerospace, advanced manufacturing, engineering, innovation, research and digital technology emerging around the airport, enterprise zone and universities.”

The consortium includes 16 LEPs, 38 businesses and business groups and 16 universities from Dorset across to Kent and up to Reading.

Ms Carver added: “The Science and Innovation Audit will allow our area to demonstrate where we have unique innovation strengths that, with the right investment, can help drive future growth and prosperity in Dorset, the region and across the UK.”

As well as Dorset LEP, Bournemouth Borough Council, Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth, it includes the Orthopaedic Research Institute, Bournemouth; BAE Systems; Bournemouth Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster; Business South; Hampshire Chambers of Commerce and Future South Programme; Qinetiq; Silicon South; Solent Maritime Forum and Invest in Hampshire.