Engaged Universities and Intelligent City/Regions

In recent years, universities in Europe, North America, and Australasia have increasingly re-engaged with their local cities and regions, recognising their civic roles that had been overshadowed by ambitions for national or international prestige. This renewed focus is driven by the economic, cultural, and demographic benefits that research-intensive universities bring to their regions and a … Continue reading “Engaged Universities and Intelligent City/Regions”

The Role of Universities in Birmingham’s Economy and Communities

Sara Hassan and Hannes Read discuss how universities in Birmingham can act as anchors and civic institutions for the benefit of the city-region.  This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth … Continue reading “The Role of Universities in Birmingham’s Economy and Communities”

Universities’ Role in Helping Regions Transition From Legacy Industries Into New Areas

In a series of blogs, Simon Collinson, Fumi Kitagawa and Tomas Ulrichsen examine the role of universities in regional development. The blogs are co-authored by the Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI) at the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) and the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI at City-REDI), … Continue reading “Universities’ Role in Helping Regions Transition From Legacy Industries Into New Areas”

Unleashing the Regional Innovation Potential of Universities

In a series of blogs, Simon Collinson, Fumi Kitagawa and Tomas Ulrichsen examine the role of universities in regional development. The blogs are co-authored by the Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI) at the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) and the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI at City-REDI), … Continue reading “Unleashing the Regional Innovation Potential of Universities”

Place Matters: Universities and Local Innovation Systems

In a series of blogs, Simon Collinson, Fumi Kitagawa and Tomas Ulrichsen examine the role of universities in regional development. The blogs are co-authored by the Policy Evidence Unit for University Commercialisation and Innovation (UCI) at the University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) and the West Midlands Regional Economic Development Institute (WMREDI at City-REDI), … Continue reading “Place Matters: Universities and Local Innovation Systems”

Innovation Policy: The Role of Universities, Priority Sectors and Micro-enterprises

Juliane Schwarz discusses the potential impacts of prioritising certain sectors over others and how universities can play a role in active industrial policy. Juliane also looks at the role of small and micro businesses in our economy and how they can be better supported. In her letter to the Financial Times, the Vice-Provost of Research … Continue reading “Innovation Policy: The Role of Universities, Priority Sectors and Micro-enterprises”

Reconceptualising University Contribution to Knowledge Exchange: Broadening our Understanding of Motivations, Channels and Stakeholders

Fumi Kitagawa and colleagues discuss the importance of knowledge exchange for Universities, but how there remains a bias towards the commercialisation of STEM fields. This was originally published on the Centre for Innovation Management Research website. In recent years, fostering knowledge exchange (KE) between academics and external stakeholders has become increasingly important within the policy … Continue reading “Reconceptualising University Contribution to Knowledge Exchange: Broadening our Understanding of Motivations, Channels and Stakeholders”

The Role of Universities in ‘Levelling Up’ the Region Post-Pandemic

John Goddard discusses the challenges of ‘levelling up’ within the higher education sector and how they can play a leading role going forward, post-pandemic. The challenges of ‘levelling-up’ cities and regions of the country will not go away. Universities can and do play a leading role as ‘anchor institutions’ throughout the country with a huge … Continue reading “The Role of Universities in ‘Levelling Up’ the Region Post-Pandemic”

Maximising Universities’ Role in the Local Economy: Evaluating the Impact of Student Knowledge Exchange

Johannes Read and Birindar Kaur Bahia evaluate the impact of the Student Knowledge Exchange Re-Imagined – Removing Barriers, Engaging Communities project, led by Keele University and the University of Birmingham. Universities’ Role in Exchanging Knowledge in the Economy Universities make a significant impact on the local and regional economy. Not only do university staff teach … Continue reading “Maximising Universities’ Role in the Local Economy: Evaluating the Impact of Student Knowledge Exchange”

How can Universities, Colleges and Employers Deliver the Skills for Local Productivity, Innovation and Prosperity?

In this Policy Briefing, Professor Anne Green, Professor Chris Millward and Dr Abigail Taylor reflect on discussions during the Universities and Regions Forum skills seminar organised by City-REDI / WMREDI. They outline fundamental challenges which need to be addressed to improve skills systems in England. Find out more about this project. Introduction The UK is … Continue reading “How can Universities, Colleges and Employers Deliver the Skills for Local Productivity, Innovation and Prosperity?”