Others, like Michael North, Professor of Organic Chemistry at Newcastle University in the UK, are looking at transforming CO2 into useful chemical compounds called cyclic carbonates for industrial use.

CNN: Turning carbon dioxide into fuel

Second, says Paul Benneworth, a regional development researcher at Newcastle University, closures of local and foreign-owned factories have pushed redundant skilled managerial employees into their own ventures.

ECONOMIST: The north-east's propensity for high-technology