The Centre of Excellence for Nano, Micro and Photonic Systems (Cenamps) and the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) have merged to create a single driver in the UK's processing sector.

The newly merged organisations will focus on four key technology areas which it believes offer the most sustainable growth potential.

These are 'advanced processes', 'low carbon energy', 'functional materials' and 'printable electronics'.

The two organisations hope to become a national centre of international importance, with over 70 scientists, engineers and support staff.

"This is a highly positive move for north east England in a sector where we already have a real international presence," said Nigel Perry, chief executive of the CPI.

"Processing is moving forward at a great pace and only those organisations which continually innovate and evolve will keep up with the marketplace."

The primary aim is to bring together "market pull" from industry with " technology push" from academia, helping to turn the best discoveries and innovations from researchers into viable products.

According to the CPI, processing has been the UK's fastest growing sector over the past 10 years.

The sector is growing at an average rate of 2.6 per cent per annum, and is now worth £70bn to the national economy.

"Since being established by One NorthEast four years ago, CPI and Cenamps have worked to connect academia and industry and encourage market-led innovation for the benefit of the region and its businesses," added Perry.

"In this time, the established process industry on Teesside and across the North East has been revitalised, and the region now hosts three national centres in plastic electronics, nanotechnology and biotechnology."