An ambitious new project is to connect world-leading research expertise in Yorkshire’s universities to policymakers in councils, combined authorities and local enterprise partnerships in the region.
Research England has awarded £3.9 million in funding, over three years, to a consortium led by Yorkshire Universities to establish the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network - Y-PERN.
Objectives are twofold. First, it will provide policymakers with immediate insights and evidence on how to tackle the most pressing economic and social challenges facing the region.Second, the project will help to build sustainable analytical capacity and capability that will widen and deepen knowledge and understanding about Yorkshire’s future growth and long-term development.
Read more: Could research funding be a roadblock to Net Zero? Hull's new vice chancellor airs concerns
Dr David Richards, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for research and enterprise at the University of Hull, said: “The Y-PERN network will provide excellent support in helping the region take advantage of the transition to Net Zero and driving economic growth. We are delighted Research England has awarded the funding and we very much look forward to working with the network to further the application of our research for the benefit of the region and beyond.”
By providing regional leaders and Government with direct access to research, Y-PERN will inform major policy interventions and investment decisions. The network will also provide insights into what types of public policy have worked in the past, and what might be successful in the future.
Y-PERN will be driven by a team of policy fellows located within Hull and East Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and York and North Yorkshire, and advised by an independent panel of academic experts.
Leeds University Business School will manage the project on behalf of the partnership that includes Yorkshire Universities; Yorkshire and Humber Councils; South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; West Yorkshire Combined Authority; Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership; and York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
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James Newman OBE, Chair of Hull and East Yorkshire LEP, said: “The University of Hull has contributed significantly to the activities of LEP in Hull and East Yorkshire. The university is a much-valued anchor institution, and through its research and innovation activity, it is supporting the region’s net zero ambitions as the 海角视频’s largest provider of clean energy and carbon capture solutions. I welcome the Hull and East Yorkshire LEP being part of this consortium and working with academic researchers to help realise our vision for a more successful and resilient region.”
University of Hull backs higher education's role in economic growth creation
Hull’s university leaders are keen for the region’s ‘anchor institution to play a bigger role in creating economic growth.
Prof David Petley, the new Vice-Chancellor has backed a new report from Universities 海角视频, which is pushing for the rapid expansion of campus enterprise zones, establishing collaborative hubs for skills development and building on the Help to Grow scheme.
Together the higher education settings insist they can help Britain flourish should government create the conditions to accomplish it.
Professor Petley said: “Universities have always played a crucial role in sparking growth and developing opportunities through their research, innovation and enterprise. As an anchor institution in our region, the University of Hull is committed to driving developments to rebuild the economy as well as working towards a fairer, brighter future for everyone, by addressing social inequalities in our local communities.”
The University of Hull has supported 1,200 Humber-based SMEs, contributed to 54 tonnes in carbon reduction, provided funding for more than 270 SMEs and contributed to the development of 270 new products and services in the region.
Last month, it was recognised as one of the top performers in research partnerships and its work with the public and third sector – according to data published by Research England.
“We will continue to deliver real impact, effecting regeneration and change in the region and beyond by reaching out to new partners, building stronger relationships, providing knowledge and skills exchange, training and support to industry, business and third-sector
organisations,” Prof Petley said. “With more than 40 percent of graduates staying in our region after their studies, their advanced knowledge and skills will also have an important role to play in driving economic growth and prosperity here in Hull.”
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