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Universities in the driving seat for enterprising Midlands Engine growth

04/07/2016

Universities in the driving seat for enterprising Midlands Engine growth

Six Midlands’ universities have joined forces to drive productivity and economic growth through skills, innovation and enterprise.

Birmingham City University, Coventry University, Nottingham Trent University, University of Derby, University of Lincoln and the University of Wolverhampton have collectively launched Midlands Enterprise Universities – a partnership which combines their research, expertise and facilities in order to further increase growth and prosperity across the region.

The new partnership will provide the Midlands Engine with a powerful resource with which it can meet its ambitious objectives focusing on higher level skills gaps, talent pipeline needs and innovation requirements. Work will also concentrate on further developing the employability and entrepreneurship of students.

Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We’re delighted to be working with partner universities across the Midlands to support and stimulate innovation across the wider region.

   

“Our collective aim is to contribute to Midlands Engine productivity. Our combined collaboration with business and our extended international reach coupled with our renowned presence in our respective local communities perfectly positions us to drive forward the skills agenda and stimulate enterprise.”

Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midlands Engine, said: “ I am pleased to see this new collaboration between the region’s universities which further adds to the spirit of partnership and unity being developed across the Midlands Engine region. Their aims align closely with the Midlands Engine ambitions to support sector growth, improve productivity and boost the region’s economy.”

Midlands Enterprise Universities will focus on boosting the Health, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Transport Technologies, Creative Digital and Design and Agrifood and Drink industries – all priorities within the Midlands Engine region. Support will concentrate on:

  • Improving skills through apprenticeships and work based learning alongside existing degree programmes.
  •  Providing a talent pipeline through work experience packages tailored to employer and student needs
  • Delivering programmes of collaborative research and innovation support to address the development of new products, processes and services
  • Providing commercial services support to address skills development needs and to tackle organisation issues.

Picture caption from left to right:

Professor Julian Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University, Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor, Nottingham Trent University, Professor John Latham , Vice-Chancellor, Coventry University, Professor Ian Oakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Wolverhampton, Professor Kath Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Derby, Professor Ieuan Owen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Lincoln.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003 or 01902 328647.

Date Issued: 4th July 2016

Notes to editors

About Midlands Enterprise Universities

  • Over 126,000 students
  • Over 15,000 employees
  • Generated over 30,000 jobs
  • Invested £161 million in facilities
  • A collective turnover of £1.34 billion
  • An economic impact of £3.18 billion

 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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