Paul joined Urban Foresight having previously been a Research Fellow at the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise, and before that a Research Fellow with Future Cities Catapult.

During his time at Newcastle University, he worked on both individual innovation projects in a range of domains, as well as more strategic innovation policy and planning.

In particular, Paul brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the planning and governance of smart city and smart rural initiatives.  He has acted as advisor to both regional and national government on various rural and innovation policy issues, and is currently a director of a local Community Interest Company supporting rural development.

He has a keen interest in the nature of public engagement and the co-creation of innovation programmes.  His work on the use of theatre as an engagement method won the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) award for Public Engagement in Planning.