In a series of blogs, the LPIP Hub explains what the three common university frameworks are, what the benefits are of these, and how they can be of interest to people outside academia. Focussing on how collaboration and partnerships can help universities and conversely how performing well in these frameworks can be of benefit to our external partners.
Read the first blog in the series for information on the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Read the second blog in the series for information on the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
What is “the KEF”?
The Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) is a pivotal initiative tailored for higher education providers in England, aimed at broadening and enriching the scope of knowledge exchange activities between universities and external entities, including businesses, local government departments, and community groups. It serves as a comprehensive platform that provides detailed insights into how these institutions collaborate with partners to drive economic growth and societal advancement. The KEF is not currently used to inform funding, although this may be considered in the future. For individuals unfamiliar with the intricacies of university operations, it is useful to understand the basics of KEF and its impact on funding and behaviours of universities.
What are the benefits of the KEF?
Through the KEF, stakeholders, including staff in local government departments and community groups, can:
1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted approaches universities employ in knowledge exchange.
2. Access data dashboards that offer evidence-based insights into the performance of universities in these activities, enabling the identification of strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Identify potential partnership opportunities by exploring these insights, which highlight research assets and experts aligned with specific policy themes or local development needs.
4. Foster enhanced collaboration by aligning goals and resources, ensuring that the partnerships effectively contribute to community and economic development.
Why is the KEF of interest for people outside of academia and how can collaboration and partnerships help?
The relevance of KEF extends beyond academic circles, offering significant value to external partners. By engaging with universities, partners can leverage academic expertise, research innovations, and resources to tackle societal challenges, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life within communities. Universities, in turn, gain opportunities to apply their research in real-world contexts, enhancing their societal impact and contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
To excel in KEF rankings, universities are encouraged to actively pursue and nurture collaborations and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. These collaborations not only serve as a testament to the university’s commitment to societal engagement but also play a crucial role in enhancing the institution’s performance in the framework. Successful engagement in knowledge exchange activities, as reflected in KEF metrics, requires a proactive approach to collaboration, leveraging research assets, and engaging with external partners to address pressing societal needs.
In summary, the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) is a vital tool for both higher education institutions and their potential partners. This is, however, a backwards-looking snapshot and does not necessarily reflect the university’s strategy or future. It facilitates a deeper understanding of the university’s role through knowledge exchange, encourages the pursuit of meaningful collaborations, and highlights the mutual benefits of these partnerships. By familiarizing themselves with KEF, stakeholders can unlock the potential for impactful collaborations that harness the strengths of academic research and innovation. For further information and to explore the potential for collaboration, visit the KEF website.
This blog was written by Elizabeth Goodyear, Programme Manager at City-REDI / WMREDI, University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this post are those of the author and not necessarily those of City-REDI, WMREDI or the University of Birmingham.