Nicholas Spencer

Nicholas Spencer is a Programme Leader for the MA/MSc Multidisciplinary Innovation at Northumbria University, specializing in Design Department. He develops international educational partnerships focused on academic, student, and community co-creation for commercial and third-sector organizations. His research explores networked design intelligence, capabilities development, and Design for Social Innovation, engaging with complex transitions toward equitable futures.

• Doctorate in Design Studies (2009)
• BA (Hons) in Industrial Design (2002)

Research interests include Design Thinking, Design Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, and Systems Thinking, with a focus on healthcare, policy, and community-driven design. He supervises doctoral students and leads projects related to holiday provision co-design and creative capacity-building in SMEs.

Recent publications analyze design justice, artefact use in hospitals, and policy impact through infrastructuring. He is affiliated with the Northumbria DESIS Lab and participates in European networks for social innovation.

• Collaborative Projects: HAF Plus Service Blueprint, Creative Spark initiatives, and Creative Fuse North East.

His work bridges design theory, practice-based research, and cross-sector partnerships, emphasizing ethical design and systemic change.