Alissa Dhaliwal

I lead the Futures team at Innovate UK Business Connect which seeks to create a positive policy environment for innovation in the UK through research and data. The team works closely with sector teams and Innovation Networks to build a robust evidence base, feeding insight from our communities, to make an impact on key policy issues of relevance such as talent and skills, regulation, and financial incentives.

My career so far has been driven by my interest in the interface between business and government. Prior to joining Innovate UK Business Connect, I worked at the Confederation of British Industry, the UK’s largest business representative organisation representing industry priorities to government and policymakers. I held a number of roles in my 7 years there, including leading the Education and Skills policy team as well as the Innovation team. I also have previous experience of working in local politics, with an MP at local constituency level.