How universities are leading, changing and creating in the regional economy, by Professor Wendy Purcell
Universities are critical to the future growth of our economy. I could just leave it there; it is a well-rehearsed phrase, a fact that those of us from within the sector are deeply proud.
But however much we may see this statement as indisputable; this role is often underplayed, underutilised and misunderstood. This is the issue that this booklet seeks to address. Not just through the words of people like me, who form part of the sector, but from big businesses, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), thinktanks, politicians and local authorities. Those with a shared interest in the future success of their regional economy. Universities can act as catalysts for growth, working in partnership with other regional actors to drive change and deliver innovation and skills.
Through these voices, this booklet aims to map out and explain exactly what we mean when we talk about the broad and deep role universities can play towards delivering regional growth.
In regional leadership and ‘anchor’ capacity, Dr Neil Lee from The Work Foundation points out that ‘Universities are unique organisations in many cities – often the only institution with the scale and connectedness to drive economic growth and shape the physical environment’. The story Alan Qualtrough tells is testament to this as he describes his own journey as a local journalist documenting the changing economy of Plymouth through to playing an active role in bringing together a partnership between his newspaper and Plymouth University to secure significant investment via a successful bid to the Regional Growth Fund. Barry Sheerman MP places the issue in a global context arguing that universities are not only central to understanding a changing world economy but also operating in an environment where power and influence is shifting from West to East. Tony Williams, Executive Director of Bournemouth County Council brings the ‘anchor’ institution to life in his description of the multiple ways that Bournemouth University plays its part at the heart of the town while Sir Patrick Stewart provides a personal perspective on how the University of Huddersfield has shaped the growth and renewal of this postindustrial region. Finally Professor John Brennan provides a more academic overview of the close links between universities and their place.
In change agents, Sir Tim Wilson provides his unique perspective as Chair of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire reflecting on how we might make full use of universities’ potential. Sir Richard Lambert tells a compelling story of the role of universities in regional transformation linked closely to government priorities to rebalance the economy, support innovation and address economic inequalities. James Ramsbotham, from the North East Chambers of Commerce, tells how the region’s universities are playing a central role in supporting recovery in this part of the country. From the North West, Professor Brian Longhurst focuses on the impact of MediaCity within the region, but also on the wider UK economy. David Docherty rounds off the picture by describing the transformational effect of the networks and knowledge communities that exist around universities.
In creating and diffusing research-led innovation, Will Hutton makes it clear; ‘true value in a knowledge economy only comes from innovation – we cannot compete on price, lowwage labour, or physical assets. So we need to invest in knowledge and compete by inventing and innovating new products, processes and services’. We next hear how this can be put into practice by BMW Group, Venture Wales and IBM Software Group. Whether this is through working with crossdisciplinary research teams, supporting graduate entrepreneurs or creating the right conditions to drive and sustain innovation. Graham Spittle concludes that greater integration and mobility is needed between universities, private sector companies and individual entrepreneurs if the UK is to compete successfully.
In knowledge workforce, Angela Saini, author of ‘Geek Nation: how Indian science is taking over the world’, brings an international perspective. Angela reflects on her travel between India and Britain while writing her book and the extent to which we in Britain take our universities for granted while India desperately tries to meet a surging demand for university places. Closer to home, Mike Emmerich from New Economy discusses the impact of fresh talent brought to Greater Manchester by its universities. Sam Laidlaw, Chief Executive of Centrica focuses on the highlevel skills needs of engineering and manufacturing as well as the opportunities of collaboration between businesses and universities. Finally, Nick Wilson, from Hewlett Packard, reflects on the company’s experience of working with the University of the West of England to create courses relevant to business needs, promote social mobility, positively impact the local community and support other businesses in the region.
In attracting inward investment, we reflect on the role of universities as one of the UK’s major export industries. Ed Cox, Director of IPPR North, provides an overview of the five drivers of productivity and the role of universities against each of these. Ed notes that university representation is integral to most of the recognised Local Enterprise Partnerships as well as IPPR North’s Northern Economic Futures Commission. Lena Wilson from Scottish Enterprise and Tony Gallagher from Queen’s University Belfast reflect on the vital role universities in Scotland and Northern Ireland have played to attract investment and help build growth. Professor Andrew Atherton, Deputy ViceChancellor at the University of Lincoln, describes the experience of working with Siemens on a partnership to establish the first purpose built engineering school in more than 20 years.
Altogether, these contributions paint a powerful picture of the role universities can play towards growing our future. The economic downturn and recession have given regions and countries across the world reason to rethink and consider their future economic strategies. The UK also has difficult decisions to make about our future direction but we have much to be confident about and many tools to utilise. By playing a leadership role, changing future patterns of economic growth, creating researchled innovation, building the knowledge workforce and attracting inward investment, universities will surely be central to any successful plan for driving a competitive future economy.
Professor Wendy Purcell,Vice Chancellor, Plymouth University
