Dr Dylan Henderson
Lecturer in Innovation and Organisation
- HendersonD3@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 29208 76928
- Aberconway Building, Room E23B, Colum Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF10 3EU
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
My research and teaching spans business innovation, digital and government. I am particularly interested in the spatial dynamics of business activities and strategy development within regional ecosystems. My research is currently examining the role of actors, organisations and institutions in regional innovation strategies, with a particular focus on new forms of policy and ecosystem dynamics. In a separate strand of research I am looking at the deployment of broadband and mobile technologies in urban and rural regions and their impact. My research has been published in a range of leading journals and policy publications, and has included research for organisations such as the European Commission, Welsh Government, regional development agencies, local authorities and universities across Europe.
Publication
2023
- Henderson, D. 2023. Boundary work in the regional innovation policy mix: SME digital technology diffusion policies in Wales. Science and Public Policy (10.1093/scipol/scad006)
- Henderson, D., Morgan, K. and Delbridge, R. 2023. Putting missions in their place: micro missions and the role of universities in delivering challenge-led innovation. Regional Studies (10.1080/00343404.2023.2176840)
- Doheny, S., Delbridge, R., Morgan, K. and Henderson, D. 2023. City and growth deals innovation challenge funds: Advice and guidance for Northern Ireland. Technical Report.
2022
- Morgan, K. and Henderson, D. 2022. New models of innovation in old industrial regions. In: Teles, F., Ramos, F. and Rodrigues, A. eds. Territorial Innovation in Less Developed Regions: Communities, Technologies and Impact. Palgrave Studies in Sub-National Governance Palgrave MacMillan, pp. 9-30., (10.1007/978-3-031-20577-4)
- Jones, C. and Henderson, D. 2022. Industry 4.0 and value creation in the future city. Working paper. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Munday, M., Kapitsinis, N., Jones, C., Rana, O., Cowell, R. and Mukherjee, A. 2022. 5G Wales unlocked observatory: final report. Technical Report.
2021
- Reynolds, L., Henderson, D., Xu, C. and Norris, L. 2021. Digitalisation and the foundational economy: a digital opportunity or a digital divide for less-developed regions?. Local Economy 36(6), pp. 451-467. (10.1177/02690942211072239)
- Delbridge, R., Henderson, D. and Morgan, K. 2021. Scoping the future of innovation policy in Wales. Project Report.
- Henderson, D., Munday, M. and Roberts, A. 2021. The regional consequences of new digital infrastructure: can Welsh SMEs gain an edge from access and adoption of superfast broadband?. National Institute Economic Review 255, pp. 42-55. (10.1017/nie.2020.48)
- Henderson, D. 2021. Digital technologies in Wales. [Online]. Online: Cardiff University Business School. Available at: http://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/business-school/2021/01/19/digital-technologies-in-wales/
- Morgan, K., Henderson, D. and Delbridge, R. 2021. Exploring the innovation prospects for Carmarthenshire: A Report prepared for Carmarthenshire County Council. Technical Report.
2020
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Xu, C. 2020. The digital maturity survey for Wales 2020. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff University. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/superfast-broadband-project/digital-maturity-survey
- Henderson, D. 2020. Demand-side broadband policy in the context of digital transformation: an examination of SME digital advisory policies in Wales. Telecommunications Policy 44(9) (10.1016/j.telpol.2020.102024)
- Henderson, D. 2020. Working from home? The UK’s broadband and wifi will be put to the test. The Conversation
- Henderson, D. 2020. Institutional work in the maintenance of regional innovation policy instruments: evidence from Wales. Regional Studies 54(3), pp. 429-439. (10.1080/00343404.2019.1634251)
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Xu, C. 2020. Superfast broadband business exploitation project: Digital Maturity Survey for Wales 2019. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff University. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/superfast-broadband-project/digital-maturity-survey
- Henderson, D. and Roche, N. 2020. Examining the policy mix for broadband deployment in Wales: The role of informal coordination in the last mile. Local Economy 35(1), pp. 48-67. (10.1177/0269094219883396)
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Xu, C. 2020. Superfast broadband business exploitation programme: research and intelligence Digital Maturity Economic Impact Report 2019. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff University. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/superfast-broadband-project/economic-impact-research
2019
- Henderson, D. 2019. Policy entrepreneurship in context: Understanding the role of institutions in the emergence of novel policy solutions for services innovation in Finland and Ireland. Science and Public Policy 46(5), pp. 668-678. (10.1093/scipol/scz020)
- Henderson, D. 2019. Unpacking digital transformation and its implications for business and policy. [Online]. Small Business Charter. Available at: https://smallbusinesscharter.org/knowledge/unpacking-digital-transformation-implications-business-policy/
- Reynolds, L., Henderson, D. and Roche, N. 2019. Digital technologies and future opportunities for the construction industry in Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D. 2019. Policy path dependency in a less developed region: The evolution of regional innovation policy in Wales (UK). Revista Galega de Economia 28(2), pp. 39-52. (10.15304/rge.28.2.6155)
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roche, N., Roberts, A., Xu, C. and Norris, L. 2019. Digital maturity economic impact report 2018. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D. and Norris, L. 2019. Broadband, productivity and the Welsh Economy. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff University. Available at: https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/business-school/2019/05/13/broadband-productivity-and-the-welsh-economy/
- Jones, C. and Henderson, D. 2019. Broadband and uneven spatial development: the case of Cardiff City-Region. Local Economy 34(3), pp. 228-247. (10.1177/0269094219841590)
- Henderson, D. and Reynolds, L. 2019. New focus on the foundations of the UK’s economy might help poorest regions post-Brexit. The Conversation 2019(27 Mar)
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Norris, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Xu, C. 2019. Digital maturity survey for Wales 2018. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Norris, L. and Henderson, D. 2019. Digital technologies and future opportunities for rural businesses and areas in Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
2018
- Henderson, D., Jones, C. and Roche, N. 2018. AI and automation: Examining the future implications for business and employment in Wales - Update. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Reynolds, L., Henderson, D. and Roche, N. 2018. Digital technologies and future opportunities for the foundational economy in Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Reynolds, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Scedrova, A. 2018. Digital maturity economic impact report for Wales 2017. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roche, N., Roberts, A., Scedrova, A. and Reynolds, L. 2018. Digital maturity survey for Wales 2017. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff Business School. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1137775/SFBBE-2016-National-Digital-Maturity-Survey-Report_final.pdf
- Henderson, D. and Roche, N. 2018. From consensus to conflict in the regional policy mix for broadband deployment: examining the role of informal coordination. Presented at: 29th European Regional Conference of the International Telecommunications Society (ITS) 2018, Trento, Italy, 1-4 August 201829th European Regional Conference of the International Telecommunications Society (ITS): "Towards a digital future: Turning technology into markets?". EconStor
2017
- Henderson, D. 2017. Assessing the impact of broadband use on the Welsh economy. Welsh Economic Review 25, pp. 28-36. (10.18573/j.2017.10196)
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Norris, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Scedrova, A. 2017. Economic impact report 2016. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D. 2017. The transformative potential of cloud technologies for SMEs in Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Norris, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Scedrova, A. 2017. Digital maturity survey for Wales 2016. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff Business School. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1137775/SFBBE-2016-National-Digital-Maturity-Survey-Report_final.pdf
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Norris, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Scedrova, A. 2017. Digital maturity survey for Wales 2016. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff Business School. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1137775/SFBBE-2016-National-Digital-Maturity-Survey-Report_final.pdf
2002
- Morgan, K. J. and Henderson, D. 2002. Regions as laboratories: the rise of regional experimentalism in Europe. In: Innovation and Social Learning. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 204-226.
2000
- Izushi, H. and Henderson, D. 2000. Designing learning networks in peripheral regions: comparison of two models. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 18(6), pp. 697-710. (10.1068/c10m)
- Henderson, D. 2000. EU Regional Innovation Strategies: Regional Experimentalism in Practice?. European Urban and Regional Studies 7(4), pp. 347-358. (10.1177/096977640000700404)
1999
- Henderson, D. and Thomas, M. 1999. Learning through strategy-making: the RTP in Wales. In: Morgan, K. J. and Nauwelaers, C. eds. Regional Innovation Strategies: The Challenge for Less-Favoured Regions. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp. 80-95.
1998
- Henderson, D. 1998. Building interactive learning networks: lessons from the Welsh Medical Technology Forum. Regional Studies 32, pp. 783-787.
1997
- Morgan, K. J. and Henderson, D. 1997. The fallible servant: evaluating the Welsh Development Agency. In: Nationality and Planning in Scotland and Wales. Cardiff: University of Wales Press, pp. 77-97.
Articles
- Henderson, D. 2023. Boundary work in the regional innovation policy mix: SME digital technology diffusion policies in Wales. Science and Public Policy (10.1093/scipol/scad006)
- Henderson, D., Morgan, K. and Delbridge, R. 2023. Putting missions in their place: micro missions and the role of universities in delivering challenge-led innovation. Regional Studies (10.1080/00343404.2023.2176840)
- Reynolds, L., Henderson, D., Xu, C. and Norris, L. 2021. Digitalisation and the foundational economy: a digital opportunity or a digital divide for less-developed regions?. Local Economy 36(6), pp. 451-467. (10.1177/02690942211072239)
- Henderson, D., Munday, M. and Roberts, A. 2021. The regional consequences of new digital infrastructure: can Welsh SMEs gain an edge from access and adoption of superfast broadband?. National Institute Economic Review 255, pp. 42-55. (10.1017/nie.2020.48)
- Henderson, D. 2020. Demand-side broadband policy in the context of digital transformation: an examination of SME digital advisory policies in Wales. Telecommunications Policy 44(9) (10.1016/j.telpol.2020.102024)
- Henderson, D. 2020. Working from home? The UK’s broadband and wifi will be put to the test. The Conversation
- Henderson, D. 2020. Institutional work in the maintenance of regional innovation policy instruments: evidence from Wales. Regional Studies 54(3), pp. 429-439. (10.1080/00343404.2019.1634251)
- Henderson, D. and Roche, N. 2020. Examining the policy mix for broadband deployment in Wales: The role of informal coordination in the last mile. Local Economy 35(1), pp. 48-67. (10.1177/0269094219883396)
- Henderson, D. 2019. Policy entrepreneurship in context: Understanding the role of institutions in the emergence of novel policy solutions for services innovation in Finland and Ireland. Science and Public Policy 46(5), pp. 668-678. (10.1093/scipol/scz020)
- Henderson, D. 2019. Policy path dependency in a less developed region: The evolution of regional innovation policy in Wales (UK). Revista Galega de Economia 28(2), pp. 39-52. (10.15304/rge.28.2.6155)
- Jones, C. and Henderson, D. 2019. Broadband and uneven spatial development: the case of Cardiff City-Region. Local Economy 34(3), pp. 228-247. (10.1177/0269094219841590)
- Henderson, D. and Reynolds, L. 2019. New focus on the foundations of the UK’s economy might help poorest regions post-Brexit. The Conversation 2019(27 Mar)
- Henderson, D. 2017. Assessing the impact of broadband use on the Welsh economy. Welsh Economic Review 25, pp. 28-36. (10.18573/j.2017.10196)
- Izushi, H. and Henderson, D. 2000. Designing learning networks in peripheral regions: comparison of two models. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy 18(6), pp. 697-710. (10.1068/c10m)
- Henderson, D. 2000. EU Regional Innovation Strategies: Regional Experimentalism in Practice?. European Urban and Regional Studies 7(4), pp. 347-358. (10.1177/096977640000700404)
- Henderson, D. 1998. Building interactive learning networks: lessons from the Welsh Medical Technology Forum. Regional Studies 32, pp. 783-787.
Book sections
- Morgan, K. and Henderson, D. 2022. New models of innovation in old industrial regions. In: Teles, F., Ramos, F. and Rodrigues, A. eds. Territorial Innovation in Less Developed Regions: Communities, Technologies and Impact. Palgrave Studies in Sub-National Governance Palgrave MacMillan, pp. 9-30., (10.1007/978-3-031-20577-4)
- Morgan, K. J. and Henderson, D. 2002. Regions as laboratories: the rise of regional experimentalism in Europe. In: Innovation and Social Learning. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 204-226.
- Henderson, D. and Thomas, M. 1999. Learning through strategy-making: the RTP in Wales. In: Morgan, K. J. and Nauwelaers, C. eds. Regional Innovation Strategies: The Challenge for Less-Favoured Regions. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp. 80-95.
- Morgan, K. J. and Henderson, D. 1997. The fallible servant: evaluating the Welsh Development Agency. In: Nationality and Planning in Scotland and Wales. Cardiff: University of Wales Press, pp. 77-97.
Conferences
- Henderson, D. and Roche, N. 2018. From consensus to conflict in the regional policy mix for broadband deployment: examining the role of informal coordination. Presented at: 29th European Regional Conference of the International Telecommunications Society (ITS) 2018, Trento, Italy, 1-4 August 201829th European Regional Conference of the International Telecommunications Society (ITS): "Towards a digital future: Turning technology into markets?". EconStor
Monographs
- Doheny, S., Delbridge, R., Morgan, K. and Henderson, D. 2023. City and growth deals innovation challenge funds: Advice and guidance for Northern Ireland. Technical Report.
- Jones, C. and Henderson, D. 2022. Industry 4.0 and value creation in the future city. Working paper. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Munday, M., Kapitsinis, N., Jones, C., Rana, O., Cowell, R. and Mukherjee, A. 2022. 5G Wales unlocked observatory: final report. Technical Report.
- Delbridge, R., Henderson, D. and Morgan, K. 2021. Scoping the future of innovation policy in Wales. Project Report.
- Morgan, K., Henderson, D. and Delbridge, R. 2021. Exploring the innovation prospects for Carmarthenshire: A Report prepared for Carmarthenshire County Council. Technical Report.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Xu, C. 2020. The digital maturity survey for Wales 2020. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff University. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/superfast-broadband-project/digital-maturity-survey
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Xu, C. 2020. Superfast broadband business exploitation project: Digital Maturity Survey for Wales 2019. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff University. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/superfast-broadband-project/digital-maturity-survey
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Xu, C. 2020. Superfast broadband business exploitation programme: research and intelligence Digital Maturity Economic Impact Report 2019. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff University. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/superfast-broadband-project/economic-impact-research
- Reynolds, L., Henderson, D. and Roche, N. 2019. Digital technologies and future opportunities for the construction industry in Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roche, N., Roberts, A., Xu, C. and Norris, L. 2019. Digital maturity economic impact report 2018. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Norris, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Xu, C. 2019. Digital maturity survey for Wales 2018. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Norris, L. and Henderson, D. 2019. Digital technologies and future opportunities for rural businesses and areas in Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C. and Roche, N. 2018. AI and automation: Examining the future implications for business and employment in Wales - Update. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Reynolds, L., Henderson, D. and Roche, N. 2018. Digital technologies and future opportunities for the foundational economy in Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Reynolds, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Scedrova, A. 2018. Digital maturity economic impact report for Wales 2017. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Roche, N., Roberts, A., Scedrova, A. and Reynolds, L. 2018. Digital maturity survey for Wales 2017. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff Business School. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1137775/SFBBE-2016-National-Digital-Maturity-Survey-Report_final.pdf
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Norris, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Scedrova, A. 2017. Economic impact report 2016. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D. 2017. The transformative potential of cloud technologies for SMEs in Wales. Project Report. Cardiff: Cardiff University.
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Norris, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Scedrova, A. 2017. Digital maturity survey for Wales 2016. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff Business School. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1137775/SFBBE-2016-National-Digital-Maturity-Survey-Report_final.pdf
- Henderson, D., Jones, C., Munday, M., Norris, L., Roberts, A., Roche, N. and Scedrova, A. 2017. Digital maturity survey for Wales 2016. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff Business School. Available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1137775/SFBBE-2016-National-Digital-Maturity-Survey-Report_final.pdf
Websites
- Henderson, D. 2021. Digital technologies in Wales. [Online]. Online: Cardiff University Business School. Available at: http://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/business-school/2021/01/19/digital-technologies-in-wales/
- Henderson, D. 2019. Unpacking digital transformation and its implications for business and policy. [Online]. Small Business Charter. Available at: https://smallbusinesscharter.org/knowledge/unpacking-digital-transformation-implications-business-policy/
- Henderson, D. and Norris, L. 2019. Broadband, productivity and the Welsh Economy. [Online]. Cardiff: Cardiff University. Available at: https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/business-school/2019/05/13/broadband-productivity-and-the-welsh-economy/
Research
Primary research interests
- Innovation ecosystems
- Digital technologies
- Public policy for innovation and technology
- Old industrial regions
- Actors, agency and institutitons
Research projects
Recent funded projects:
- Review of priority sectors for digital innovation, Welsh Government (2022)
- 5G Wales Unlocked Observatory, DCMS/Welsh Government (2021-2022)
- Carmarthenshire Local Innovation Strategy Study, Carmarthenshire County Council (2021)
- Innovation Advisory Council for Wales Innovation Commission: Scoping the Future (2021)
- Superfast Broadband Business Exploitation Research Project, WERU / Welsh Government (2016-2020)
- Final evaluation of the Academic Expertise for Business programme, Welsh Government (2014)
- End of programme evaluation of the SMART Cymru RD& I programme, Welsh Government (2014)
- Evaluation of the impact of the KTP programme in Wales, Welsh Government (2013)
- The role and importance of design in non-design intensive businesses in Ireland, Department for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation, Ireland (2013)
Teaching
Courses I currently teach:
Introduction to Management and Organisation (BST1510), module leader
Masters in Public Leadership, Research Methods (BST660), module leader
eMBA, Digital Transformation, Organisations and Society (BST623), module leader
Modern Business Enterprise (BS3561), lecturer
Previous courses:
Management theory and evidence (BS1511)
Business Design (BS3747)
Biography
Education and qualifications
- PhD Interactive Learning and Regional Development, 1999, Cardiff University (ESRC award)
- MSc Technical Change and Regional Development (Distinction), 1995, Cardiff University (EPSRC / SERC award)
- BA (Hons) Geography, 1993, Manchester University
Career overview
- 2021 - Lecturer in innovation and organisation, Cardiff Business School
- 2016 - 2020 Senior research fellow, Cardiff Business School
- 2005 - 2016: Senior consultant, CM International
- 1999 - 2005: Consultant, CM International
- 1994 -1995: Research assistant, Centre for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences, Cardiff University
Professional memberships
- Fellow of the Regional Studies Association
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Committees and reviewing
- 2016 - 2018: Cardiff Business School’s Shadow Management Board
- 2021: Cardiff Business School Estates Strategy Committee
Supervisions
My main supervisory interest is in the broad area of the governance of regional innovation and digital policies. If you are interested in being supervised I would encourage you to take a look at my publications list (journal articles especially). You should also note that my research interests relate to the ecosystem of actors and institutions associated with innovation and digital, rather than the impacts of technologies in a business setting per se.
Current supervision

Miss Marina Kacar
Research student