With major government initiatives on the horizon for Artificial Intelligence, skills and trade, our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill, joined with industry leaders and the University community for an engaging discussion on how they could impact business across the region.
An audience of well over 200 students, staff, alumni and regional visitors came to the Waterside Building on Wednesday 14 January to join our Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill, Henri Murison, Chief Executive of Northern Powerhouse Partnership; and Grant Brown, Director of Corporate Strategy (EMEA) at Hitachi.
The occasion was opened by Lucian Hudson, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs, who is also Professor in Practice at Durham University Business School. Lucian has overseen all four Chancellor-in-Conversation since Dr Hill was installed as University Chancellor in 2023. The event was chaired by Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of the Business School, and the discussion and speakers were introduced by Professor Olga Epitropaki, Deputy Executive Dean (Research).
The topic of discussion focused on harnessing recent technological developments in AI, and taking advantage of forthcoming UK Government initiatives for the benefit of North East England. Covering the UK AI Growth Zone, UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and shifts in skills policy, the panel considered academic discourses, balanced with industry perspectives.
In his opening perspective, Professor Fernandes referred to AI as ‘a very smart lab assistant’ to illustrate its ability to support the existing regional infrastructure.
Each of our panellists brought distinct expertise to the discussion, providing local and regional insights from an array of perspectives to ground the conversation in real-world experience.
The panel urged caution around the compulsion to simply be ‘ahead of the curve’. They discussed the fact that owing to its industrial heritage, the North East of England is proportionally more dependent on the carbon economy. This situation makes the application of new technologies to transform existing industries essential, rather than simply establishing new sectors.
The upskilling of the workforce and the creation of a sympathetic infrastructure is far more important than investing in technology, plant and equipment.
Dr Fiona Hill was born in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, the daughter of a coal miner. She is an acclaimed foreign affairs specialist, author and former presidential advisor to George W Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. She has served on the US National Intelligence Council, was a member of the US National Security Council, and co-led the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review 2025. She is a passionate advocate of the transformative power of education.
Henri Murison has led the policy and advocacy work on long-term regional growth of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership since 2017. As the business-led body convening major employers and civic leaders across the North of England, Henri works with government, business, universities, and partners to turn Northern ambitions into practical delivery and investment.
Grant Brown represents Hitachi in thought leadership forums, translating strategic priorities into practical programmes and collaborations. He works on growth, partnership and marketing positioning across the company’s mobility and digital activities. He also contributes to strategy on decarbonisation and innovation, engaging external stakeholders on topics such as ports, shipping, and future transport systems.
This event reaffirmed our role as a forum for debate on issues shaping North East England’s economic and social future. For any further information, please contact Lucian Hudson on communications.team@press.durham.ac.uk
Left to right: Grant Brown, Director of Corporate Strategy (EMEA) at Hitachi; Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of Durham University Business School; Dr Fiona Hill, Durham University Chancellor; Professor Karen O'Brien, Durham University Vice-Chancellor and Warden; Professor Olga Epitropaki, Deputy Executive Dean (Research) of Durham University Business School; Henri Murison, Chief Executive of Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
Lucian Hudson, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs, opens the afternoon.
Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of Durham University Business School shares opening perspectives.
Professor Olga Epitropaki, Deputy Executive Dean (Research) of Durham University Business School introduces the panel members and discussion topic.
Chancellor Dr Fiona Hill and the panel discuss harnessing recent technological developments in AI, and how to take advantage of forthcoming UK Government initiatives for the benefit of North East England.
Henri Murison, Chief Executive of Northern Powerhouse Partnership, and the panel discuss harnessing recent technological developments in AI, and how to take advantage of forthcoming UK Government initiatives for the benefit of North East England.
Grant Brown, Director of Corporate Strategy (EMEA) at Hitachi and the panel discuss harnessing recent technological developments in AI, and how to take advantage of forthcoming UK Government initiatives for the benefit of North East England.
Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of Durham University Business School and the panel discuss harnessing recent technological developments in AI, and how to take advantage of forthcoming UK Government initiatives for the benefit of North East England.
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Main image left to right: Grant Brown, Director of Corporate Strategy (EMEA) at Hitachi; Lucian Hudson, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs; Professor Olga Epitropaki, Deputy Executive Dean (Research) of Durham University Business School; Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean of Durham University Business School; Dr Fiona Hill, Durham University Chancellor; Henri Murison, Chief Executive of Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
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