New project to develop Areas of Research Interest for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Areas of Research Interest for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are being developed to better connect regional data, evidence and policy.
Local & Regional Development
The Northern Growth Strategy: A pragmatic approach to pan-regional collaboration?
Dr Peter O’Brien, YU Executive Director The 2025 Budget Statement, published last November, provided details on the Northern Growth Corridor. In advance of the Budget, news emerged about the appointment of Tom Riordan, as the Government’s first envoy for northern growth, who will work with Mayors, Ministers, businesses, universities and other partners to create an …
Higher Education Compact to strengthen collaboration and drive regional growth
A new Higher Education Compact has been signed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and higher education institutes in York and West Yorkshire. The Compact represents a commitment between the region’s higher education institutes (HEIs) and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to work together to stimulate inclusive economic growth, drive innovation, and enhance social and …
NEW report showcases Yorkshire Universities and role of higher education institutes in economic place-shaping
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 …
UKREiiF: Insights, Innovation and Cross-Regional Collaboration
Kate Hainsworth, YU Associate Consultant Sunshine nourished ideas and partnerships at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) 2025, hosted at Leeds dock on the banks of the River Aire. The three-day extravaganza welcomed over 16,000 delegates from national and local government, investors, developers, clients and the wider built environment to talk about …
The impact of devolution on the research and innovation landscape
On 18 March 2025, the Yorkshire Universities (YU) Regional Development Group (RDG) hosted a webinar on the impact of devolution on the research and innovation landscape. The session was chaired by Sarah Hall, Director of Strategy for Research Impact at the University of Leeds and Chair of the YU RDG. At the event, James Coe, …
New and updated MoU between Yorkshire Universities and Yorkshire and Humber Councils agreed
The purpose of this new and updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to further underpin and cement the long-term, strategic partnership between Yorkshire and Humber Councils (YHC) and Yorkshire Universities (YU). The MoU sets out matters of shared interest, reflecting the spirit of co-operation between the two membership-based organisations, who represent local government and higher education, …
Universities collaborating for the good of our regions is fast becoming a policy imperative
Dr Peter O’Brien, YU Executive Director Diana Beech, Chief Executive of London Higher This article was first published by Wonkhe on 21 October 2024 Keir Starmer’s new Labour government is committed to delivering five key missions: growth; NHS reform; clean energy; safer streets; and opportunity for all. Underpinning this approach is a shift towards a …
Creating inclusive and sustainable growth and development: the contribution of Yorkshire Universities
Context The Labour Government is committed to delivering five key Missions: Growth; NHS; Clean Energy; Safer Streets; and Opportunity. In relation to Growth and Opportunity, there is uneven geography of wealth and prosperity in the UK – a legacy of entrenched spatial and social inequalities. In England, a sub-national architecture of devolution is taking root …
Devolution Across Yorkshire
This is the write up of the key discussions and recommendations from the breakout group discussions at the 11 July 2024 YU conference: ‘Overcoming employer challenges and championing graduates across Yorkshire’. Key questions: The new Labour Government has given a commitment to kick-start economic growth as part of a drive to increase overall productivity. How …