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.             

The University of Derby, Birmingham City University, Coventry University, Nottingham Trent University, 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 Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said, "We are proud to be a part of Midlands Enterprise Universities, which will bring together institutions like ours to increase productivity, and create wealth and job opportunities across the region. Together we are well positioned within our local communities, connected with business and have the international reach needed to drive forward the skills agenda and stimulate enterprise. The University of Derby is looking forward to contributing to Midlands Engine productivity and to supporting and stimulating innovation in the Midlands’ supply chains."

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.