Professor Mandy Parkinson is Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Exchange at the University of Salford and Strategic Adviser to Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the AI.GMstrategy. In this role, she provides strategic advice on translating Greater Manchester’s AI ambitions into coordinated and deliverable action across the city-region’s public and private AI ecosystem.

Working across local and combined government, universities, businesses and civic organisations, Mandy helps to align partners around a shared strategic direction for responsible AI adoption. Her focus is on strengthening the governance, partnerships, leadership and ecosystem capabilities needed to move beyond isolated AI projects towards a coherent regional approach that delivers economic, social and public value.

A Professor of Business Innovation, Mandy has extensive experience of building place-based innovation ecosystems and translating research, technology and policy into practical programmes. She has led major multi-partner initiatives in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, cyber security and sustainability, working closely with regional government, industry and higher education partners. 

Mandy is also Vice President for Practice Engagement at the British Academy of Management and holds board and advisory roles supporting innovation, and regional economic development. Her work is grounded in the belief that successful AI strategy depends not only on technological capability, but on trusted governance, organisational readiness, cross-sector collaboration and a clear understanding of the public value that AI should create.