In his column in The Times on Tuesday 19th November, William Hague discussed the role universities can play in achieving prosperity for the UK, with a particular focus on institutions in the South East.
Here, Professor Charlie Jeffery, Chair, N8 Research Partnership and Vice-Chancellor, University of York and Dr Annette Bramley, Director, N8 Research Partnership, provide their response.
The original article can be read in full here (£).
In his column “Battle for prosperity will be won by universities” (19th November), William Hague correctly identifies the link between investment in universities and the future economic growth of our country.
It is disappointing, however, to see Lord Hague claim that “The battle for 21st-century prosperity will be won in the quadrangles and science parks of Oxford and Cambridge, or in the laboratories of Imperial. Let’s give them the opportunity and the resources to succeed.”
In the current climate any investment in a UK university is welcome but it is remiss to overlook what is already being achieved outside the Golden Triangle at leading research and innovation clusters elsewhere in the country, particularly in the North of England.
At the N8 Research Partnership, we believe our eight world-class, research-intensive universities form a ‘Golden Octagon’ across the North that can play a key role in driving economic growth and create highly skilled jobs where these are most urgently needed.
Also in our region, the Northern Accelerator partnership – which brings together six North East universities – has delivered significant impact. Since 2018, 134 proof of concept projects supported have seen 50 spinouts created, which now employ over 900 people and have secured over £165m in new investment into the region, adding £120m in additional regional GVA.
This adds to the work of Northern Gritstone, which invests in and supports the commercialisation of science and technology-enabled IP-rich businesses based in the North of England — predominantly originating from the universities of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. Since Northern Gritstone’s inception, investment into science and technology-enabled early-stage businesses based in the North of England has risen from £28 million to £300 million.
These are just two examples of why increasing R&D intensity at universities outside the Golden Triangle is a win-win opportunity. Promoting the flow of ideas, knowledge and experience within and between research and innovation clusters, incentivising collaboration and healthy rivalry will grow our capabilities and maximise the return on public investment for UK plc, enabling our universities to remain world leaders while achieving the economic prosperity our country desperately needs.
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Chair, N8 Research Partnership and Vice-Chancellor, University of York
Dr Annette Bramley, Director, N8 Research Partnership