What are we doing (or could we be doing) to create an environment graduates can thrive in, and contribute towards the economy of Yorkshire? How are we responding to challenges and opportunities together? What works? At the 11 July conference, we’re focussing on the uniqueness of Yorkshire Universities’ (YU) mission, positioning, networks, and partnership activity, designed to …
Op-ed by Dr Peter O’Brien, Executive Director for Yorkshire Universities The higher education sector is one of the UK’s greatest assets, generating significant economic, social and cultural value. Research commissioned by Universities UK, in 2022, found that universities in England contribute around £95 billion to the economy and support more than 815,000 jobs, Higher education …
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 …
On Wednesday 14 January, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander announced plans for the Northern Powerhouse Rail. Yorkshire Universities (YU) has today welcomed the announcement by Government of new investment in transport infrastructure in Yorkshire, as part of a broader economic growth plan for the North of …
Professor Dave Petley, previous Chair of Yorkshire Universities (YU), introduces the report and details YU’s achievements over last twelve months: It is my pleasure to introduce the 2024/25 Annual Report as Chair of Yorkshire Universities(YU) during the period in question. This year, YU has continued to strengthen its influenceand impact within the national and regional …
Yorkshire Universities (YU) has responded to the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan consultation and welcomes that the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority has invited public comments on the draft Plan. Read the YU response to the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan consultation here.
On Wednesday 26 November, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presented the Autumn Budget. The Budget confirmed that Government will work closely with local leaders, universities, and Northern businesses on the Northern Growth Corridor to grow the economy and attract inward investment, with a plan for the Corridor to be set out by early …
This blog was originally published on the City-REDI blog. Rebecca Riley, Peter O’Brien and Helen Turner reflect on the Innovation for Growth summit – UKRI. Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) opened the summit with an analogy that, in 1996, Team GB finished 36th in the Olympic medal table a sobering …
Lauren Hunter, YU Communications and Data Insights Officer & Kate Hainsworth, YU Associate An era of implementation COP30 concluded with a clear message: the time for implementation is now. At the summit, world leaders agree to accelerating implementation of the Paris Agreement, expand finance for adaption, launch a Technology Implementation Program, and strengthen cooperation across …
John Harrison, YU Associate If you have ever dreamed of a world where modular learning meets employer enthusiasm and regional collaboration (sounds like a superhero team-up), then congratulations, you’re living it! The UK’s latest education white paper is not just a policy update; it is a full-blown systems-level remix of how we train, teach, and …
Background Recent government policy has focused on the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) for the future of the UK’s economy and society. In January 2025, the UK Government published the AI Opportunities Action Plan. The Action Plan set out the government’s intention to create a number of AI Growth Zones across the UK to boost …
Background In May 2025, the UK Government published the Immigration White Paper, “Restoring Control over the Immigration System”. A policy proposed in this paper was a 6% levy on international student fees, to be “reinvested into the higher education and skills system.”The Immigration White Paper Technical Annex projected the impact that this price rise would …