How Universities Can Help Drive Local and Regional Economies
The Institute of Economic Development and AtkinsRéalis have today (Thursday 24 August) published a report on how universities can help drive local and regional economies. In line with government’s shift towards a place-based approach to growth, the report looks at the opportunities for universities as hubs of innovation and economic drivers across the UK and spotlights best practice through a series of in-depth case studies. These case studies explore how partnerships with local government and business can develop successful innovation districts, robust wider multi-institutional place-based economic partnerships, and aid universities’ role as anchor institutions.
Case Study: Yorkshire Universities
Yorkshire Universities (YU) features as a case study in the report, providing an example of how a regional partnership of twelve higher education institutes can drive local and regional development. YU Executive Director, Dr Peter O’Brien, discusses the role of higher education institutions in economic place-shaping, the importance of working with local authorities and a need for greater funding for place-based partnerships who are working to jointly deliver the mission of a place.
