Principal for Policy & External Affairs - Clean Energy & Decarbonisation

The Principal for Policy & External Affairs at Digital Catapult is responsible for developing and implementing policy and innovation strategies supporting clean energy and decarbonisation initiatives. This role involves building collaborations with stakeholders across academia, industry, and government departments, and leading efforts to establish partnerships that drive innovative solutions in the energy sector.

Candidates for the Principal for Policy & External Affairs position at Digital Catapult should have a proven track record in government engagement and technology innovation policy related to energy and decarbonisation. A strong understanding of the challenges faced in adopting emerging technologies and experience working with public funders like Innovate UK are highly desirable.

The Principal for Policy & External Affairs plays a crucial role in identifying and pursuing collaborative research and development opportunities for clean energy projects. Through managing partnerships and engaging stakeholders, this position helps to steer national decarbonisation goals while advancing Digital Catapult's impact in the innovation landscape.

Digital Catapult fosters a vibrant culture that values diversity and inclusion. As the Principal for Policy & External Affairs, you will engage in a supportive environment filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. The company emphasizes employee voices, collaboration, and fun, hosting various social events to strengthen team dynamics.

As the Principal for Policy & External Affairs at Digital Catapult, you will enjoy a competitive benefits package, including enhanced leave options, a double-matched pension scheme, health benefits, and flexible work arrangements. Additionally, you'll have access to continuous learning and development opportunities within an inclusive workplace.

To build partnerships for clean energy initiatives, I would leverage my existing networks and focus on establishing trust with stakeholders. This involves understanding their goals and aligning them with mutual interests. I would also facilitate discussions that identify common challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

In my previous roles, I engaged extensively with government departments on clean energy policy. I navigated the complexities of policy frameworks and developed comprehensive proposals that showcased the benefits of innovation, fostering dialogue between government, industry, and academia to support shared energy goals.

Creating thought leadership outputs starts with thorough research on current trends in clean energy and decarbonisation. I ensure the content is relevant and insightful, often collaborating with experts for comprehensive insights. By highlighting our findings in accessible formats, I aim to make a significant impact on policy discussions.

Challenges in promoting decarbonisation technologies include regulatory hurdles and resistance to change in existing systems. Understanding these obstacles allows for crafting targeted strategies to address concerns, educating stakeholders on the long-term benefits, and demonstrating the feasibility of adopting new technologies.

To assess the effectiveness of policy initiatives, I would establish key performance indicators aligned with our goals. Gathering feedback from stakeholders and analysing regulatory impacts will provide insights into areas for improvement, while ongoing evaluation will ensure alignment with our decarbonisation objectives.

I utilize clear, concise language, supplemented by visual aids and real-world examples when communicating complex policies. Encouraging feedback and discussions also creates a two-way dialogue, building understanding and engagement with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

Emerging technologies can facilitate net-zero targets by providing innovative solutions for monitoring and reducing emissions. Technologies such as AI, blockchain, and advanced analytics can optimize energy use, improve efficiency, and enable better decision-making to support sustainable practices in the energy sector.

Research plays a fundamental role in developing informed policies. It provides the evidence base to understand the impacts of proposed initiatives, informs stakeholders, and ensures that our strategies are timely, relevant, and effective in addressing the challenges of clean energy and decarbonisation.

To foster a culture of innovation, I would encourage open collaboration where every team member feels valued and empowered to share ideas. Establishing regular brainstorming sessions, promoting continuous learning opportunities, and celebrating successes can stimulate creativity and drive collective motivation.

The future of clean energy innovation lies in integrating advances in technology with policy frameworks that encourage sustainability. I believe that collaborative efforts across sectors will enhance research, drive investment in clean technologies, and ultimately lead to a more sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem.