The Research Excellence Framework (REF) case studies outline changes and benefits to regional economies, local communities, urban development, rural revitalisation, and place-specific policies. They showcase impacts on innovation ecosystems, smart specialisation strategies, and sustainable territorial development across the UK and beyond.
REF impact case studies were submitted by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), following a four-page template provided for REF submissions. The template was structured across a title and five sections (summary, research, references, impact, and evidence – find out more information on REF criteria).
Whilst individual case study scores are not published, we have reviewed the current case studies (2021) for examples relevant to place-based innovation policies. This review helps understand the impact of previous research on local and regional innovation systems.
Dr Chloe Billing, our Place-Based Innovation Policy Lead for the Local Policy Innovation Partnership Hub, explores REF cases associated with fostering innovation in specific geographic contexts, from cities and regions to rural areas and industrial clusters.
Introduction
As part of our ongoing research into place-based innovation policies for the LPIP hub, we have identified four Research Excellence Framework (REF) impact case studies that are particularly relevant. These case studies, drawn from diverse institutions across the UK, provide valuable insights into how university research can drive local and regional innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement.
The selected case studies come from:
- The University of Strathclyde, focusing on satellite technology development
- Impact case study: Results and submissions: REF 2021, emphasising Mixed, Augmented and Extended Reality (MR/AR/XR) technologies
- The University of Brighton, highlighting the Creative, Digital and IT (CDIT) sector
- The Royal Agricultural University, concentrating on agri-technology innovation
These case studies demonstrate a range of impacts that are particularly pertinent to place-based innovation policies. They showcase how targeted research and development activities can transform local industries, create new business opportunities, enhance skills and education, and influence both regional and national policy.
By examining these examples, we can identify key strategies and approaches that have successfully translated academic research into tangible benefits for specific geographic areas. These impacts range from economic growth and job creation to the establishment of innovation ecosystems and the development of cutting-edge technologies. Importantly, they also illustrate how place-based innovation can extend beyond local boundaries, fostering international collaborations and influencing global standards.
In the following section, we will delve into the specific types of impact demonstrated by these case studies, providing a comprehensive overview of how university-led research can drive place-based innovation and contribute to local and regional development strategies.
Types of Impact
The selected REF impact case studies demonstrate economic growth and technological advancement in specific regions. Examples include:
- The University of Strathclyde’s research led to the development of the UK’s first commercial CubeSat, contributing to Scotland becoming a hub for satellite and data analytics companies.
- Ravensbourne University London’s work on Mixed, Augmented and Extended Reality (MR/AR/XR) led to the creation of spinout businesses and job growth in the creative and digital sectors.
- The University of Brighton’s Fuse cluster of projects leveraged over £28 million in public investment for the Creative, Digital and IT (CDIT) sector in Sussex.
Other case studies highlight the impact on skills development and education:
- The Royal Agricultural University established Farm491, the UK’s leading agri-technology incubator, supporting over 190 businesses and creating 111 new jobs.
- Ravensbourne University London’s partnership with the London Legacy Development Corporation created the Hobs Academy, offering free upskilling courses in 3D printing, 3D modelling, and AR/VR.
- The University of Brighton’s FuseBox24 programme supported innovators and early-stage start-ups through a 24-week experimental programme combining creative arts, technology, and business approaches.
Several programmes demonstrate impact on international collaboration and capacity building:
- The University of Strathclyde’s research led to capacity building and development of satellite technology in Mexico, South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya.
- Ravensbourne University London’s mEQUITY and mRIDGE projects developed augmented technologies for use by disadvantaged and disabled students in several settings, including refugee camps in Palestine.
Impact on policy and standards is also a key theme:
- The University of Strathclyde’s research informed NASA’s approach to small spacecraft.
- Ravensbourne University London’s work on the WEKIT project led to the establishment of a new IEEE standard for augmented reality.
- The University of Brighton’s research became integral to the 5G roll-out and the UK’s strategic development of the digital and immersive economy.
Elsewhere, research has led to the creation of innovative ecosystems and testbeds:
- The University of Brighton’s Digital Catapult Centre Brighton provided the only business-led 5G testbed and 5G Accelerator programme in the UK, giving 20 businesses first-to-market advantages.
- The Royal Agricultural University’s research led to the establishment of the Rural Innovation Centre and its partnership with the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise.
These REF impact case studies demonstrate a wide range of impacts relevant to place-based innovation, from economic growth and skills development to international collaboration and policy influence, all aimed at fostering innovation and development in specific geographic contexts.
Types of Partnerships
The majority of the selected REF impact case studies demonstrate partnerships between universities and industry, often focusing on emerging technologies and sectors. These partnerships frequently involve both local SMEs and larger corporations. For example:
- The University of Strathclyde partnered with Clyde Space Ltd., a local Glasgow-based company, to develop the UK’s first commercial CubeSat.
- Ravensbourne University London collaborated with Medical Realities and DoubleMe to adopt new technologies and drive job creation.
- The University of Brighton worked closely with Wired Sussex to support 150 micro, SME and larger companies in the Creative, Digital and IT (CDIT) sector.
Local and regional government bodies are also key partners in many of these initiatives:
- The Royal Agricultural University partnered with the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise, linking academic research with regional development strategies.
- The University of Brighton collaborated with the Coast to Capital Local Economic Partnership (LEP) to establish the Digital Catapult Centre Brighton.
International partnerships feature prominently, particularly in projects aiming to build capacity or transfer knowledge:
- The University of Strathclyde‘s research led to partnerships with institutions in Mexico, South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya for satellite technology development.
- Ravensbourne University London partnered with the University of Plovdiv in Bulgaria and the University of Jordan for projects supporting disadvantaged students.
National and international bodies also play a role in fostering innovation:
- The European Space Agency (ESA) was a key partner in testing the Wearable Experience for Knowledge Intensive Training (WEKIT) project.
- NASA was influenced by the University of Strathclyde’s research on small spacecraft.
For initiatives focused on skills development and education, partnerships often extend to training providers and educational institutions:
- The University of Brighton‘s FuseBox24 programme partnered with Wired Sussex to support innovators and early-stage start-ups.
- Ravensbourne University London collaborated with the London Legacy Development Corporation and Hobs 3D to establish the Hobs Academy.
Standardisation bodies are also crucial partners in some projects:
- Ravensbourne University London’s work with the WEKIT project led to a partnership with IEEE to establish a new standard for augmented reality.
These partnerships demonstrate a common thread of linking local expertise and resources with national and international networks and knowledge bases. The design of these partnerships varies based on the specific goals of each initiative, but they all share a focus on fostering innovation and economic development in specific geographic contexts.
Activities
In terms of relevant activities, many projects focused on the development and application of new technologies, often through incubators, accelerators, and testbeds. For example:
- The University of Strathclyde’s work led to the development of the UK’s first commercial CubeSat, involving activities such as spacecraft design, testing, and launch.
- Ravensbourne University London’s projects included the creation of smart garments and associated sensors for industrial training applications.
- The University of Brighton established the FuseBox, an incubator space, and later the Digital Catapult Centre Brighton, which included a 5G testbed and accelerator programme.
Educational and training programmes were also a significant component of many initiatives:
- The Royal Agricultural University’s Farm491 provided support and training for agri-technology businesses.
- Ravensbourne University London developed the Hobs Academy, a 12-week evening course focused on 3D printing, 3D modelling, and AR/VR technologies.
- The University of Brighton’s FuseBox24 programme offered a 24-week experimental course for innovators and early-stage start-ups.
Collaborative platforms and ecosystems were developed to facilitate innovation:
- The University of Brighton created the DRIVA platform to accelerate knowledge exchange relationships in the CDIT sector.
- Ravensbourne University London’s AR-FOR-EU project developed an open-access body of knowledge for Augmented Reality.
These activities demonstrate a focus on the practical application of research, often involving the development of new technologies, the creation of supportive ecosystems for innovation, and the transfer of knowledge and skills both locally and internationally.
Conclusion
Examining these four REF impact case studies provides valuable insights into the diverse and far-reaching effects of place-based innovation policies. From satellite technology in Scotland to augmented reality in London, and from creative digital industries in Brighton to agri-tech in rural areas, these examples demonstrate how university-led research can drive significant local and regional development.
The impacts observed range from economic growth and job creation to the establishment of new innovation ecosystems and the influence on national and international policies. The partnerships formed – spanning academia, industry, government, and international bodies – highlight the importance of collaborative approaches in fostering innovation.
The activities undertaken, whether through technology development, skills training, or knowledge exchange platforms, all share a common goal of translating research into practical benefits for specific geographic areas. These case studies serve as inspiring examples of how place-based innovation policies can harness local strengths, address regional challenges, and contribute to broader economic and technological advancement.
This blog was written by Dr Chloe Billing, Research Fellow, City-REDI.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the author and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.