As part of an on-going dialogue with central government, Universities South West placed an advertorial in the House Magazine this month, to illustrate the success that collaboration between universities, business and partner organisations is having in the South West.
We believe that there is a strong message to communicate to central government and are determined to help key decision makers and influencers understand what has to be done, what is being done and what could be done in the Region.
This is what we said:
For a decade, universities in South West England have successfully worked together to promote outstanding knowledge creation, scholarship and innovation. Generating nearly £3bn p.a for the regional economy, universities also enrich our communities culturally and socially. We take our corporate responsibilities very seriously, as an employer, a provider of talented, qualified employees and the source of research, skills and knowledge.
Partnership, collaboration and regionalism
Recent economic changes have hit the region hard and the response of all stakeholders will determine the area’s future for many years to come. We believe the foundations for success in the South West are already established within the region: plentiful and sustainable natural resources, a highly educated entrepreneurial workforce and a pro-active network of universities able to unite community and business.
Creating a skills–based economy
Key to a sustainable and competitive economy is the creation of a skilled local workforce. We strive to increase local accessibility to higher education expertise and training, with particular emphasis on the needs of the region’s large SME sector.
Since 2007, over 1100 regional organisations and businesses have been engaged to develop higher level workforce training and 600 people placed on training programmes. There are currently 820 graduate level internships available to help SMEs across the region.
Last month we launched a £2.4m South West RDA funded Higher Level skills project, to support a competitive, skills-led Low Carbon sector. In partnership with business and FE organisations, the project has provision for up to 250 graduate internships and will identify and develop specific higher-level skills training programmes, securing our lead in this emerging economy.
Transferring knowledge, entrepreneurship and research
Our universities are at the cutting edge of research and are committed to transferring this knowledge to benefitbusiness. Collaborative projects with new Science Parks are set to encourage STEM led business growth. Incubation spaces, providing easy access to university facilities and support, are encouraging entrepreneurialism and the retention of graduate talent.
Our institutions have established reputations for excellence in specific fields. The South West hosts the NCGE and ERDF funded University Enterprise Network for Creative Industries. This project will see the region’s thriving £2.6bn creative industry sector, benefit from active and direct engagement with higher education expertise and talent.
A joint bid between the region’s medical schools and universities, has been successful in receiving funding for a health innovation and education cluster. This will address how we develop biomedical expertise with the NHS, to accelerate the pace of service improvement for patients in the region.
Universities South West, its members and partners, believe that by working together we can deliver significant change. Continued investment in collaborative regional programmes can unlock the region’s potential and establish the South West as a leading economic success in the UK.
Universities South West is the regional higher education association for South West England. We represent a partnership of 13 universities in the region. Working with regional partners, our association has brought over £54m of project funds to the region over the last decade.