Boosting the Prosperity of Our Locale
Durham University, a cornerstone of North East England for nearly 200 years, plays a pivotal role in the region's economy, education, and innovation. The institution's impactful research, innovation, and investment efforts align with the UK's Levelling Up policy goals, promoting regional growth and equality.
Economic Impact
Durham University, in collaboration with other regional universities, contributed £9.7 billion to the UK economy during the 2021-22 academic year. This output per institution is higher than any other region in the UK, underscoring its economic significance[2]. The university is a key partner in the Northern Accelerator, a collaboration that accelerates the commercialisation of research, supporting the launch of over 50 spin-out businesses. This initiative fosters entrepreneurship and job creation, contributing to regional economic growth[2].
Education
The university is actively engaged with local communities to tackle inequalities and embrace new opportunities. Initiatives like the Durham Learning Alliance partner with local colleges to expand educational opportunities and social mobility in the North East, making higher education more accessible and inclusive[4]. Durham University also invests in programs for Key Stage 4 and 5 students, strengthening educational pathways and engaging local communities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance educational outcomes and prospects for North East students[3].
Innovation
Durham University is a key player in the North East's innovation ecosystem, participating in research collaborations that drive technological advancements and economic growth. The region's innovation strengths include health innovation, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technologies[1]. Faculty members, such as Professor Kieran Fernandes, contribute to reports and policy discussions that highlight the importance of harnessing innovation for regional economic development. This includes advocating for increased investment in R&D and innovation hubs outside of traditional centers like London, Oxford, and Cambridge[1].
The university's spin-out company, Magnitude Biosciences, is supported and helping prevent degenerative diseases with the aid of the Intensive Industrial Innovation Programme (IIIP), a collaboration of four North East England universities[5]. Durham University also offers research-based continuing professional development (CPD) and outreach in science for schools and teachers, furthering post-16 mathematics education through the Durham Mathematics School[6].
Moreover, the university welcomes initiatives to level up the economy and educational opportunities in the North East. For instance, the TechUP programme provides free programmes to help women and people from underserved backgrounds retrain into tech careers, while the UK Government's Apprenticeship Levy fund is being used to support apprentices and local jobs[7]. Durham-based Atom Bank, a service developed with the help of Durham University, offers app-based banking, contributing to the region's digital innovation[8].
In conclusion, Durham University's contributions to North East England are multifaceted and far-reaching. The university is a driving force behind the region's economic growth, educational opportunities, and innovation, aligning with the Levelling Up policy's objectives. The institution looks forward to continuing discussions, locally and nationally, on how to contribute to the important agenda of levelling up.
[1] Northern Powerhouse Partnership (2021). North East England: A Powerhouse for Innovation
[2] Durham University (2022). Economic Impact
[3] Durham University (2022). Widening Participation
[4] Durham Learning Alliance (2022). About Us
[5] Magnitude Biosciences (2022). About Us
[6] Durham University (2022). Durham Mathematics School
[7] Universities UK (2022). Getting Results: Universities and the Levelling Up Agenda
[8] Atom Bank (2022). About Us
An entrepreneur in the North East can benefit from Durham University's partnership in the Northern Accelerator, a collaborative venture that aids the commercialization of research and supports the launch of new businesses, thereby fostering job creation and contributing to regional economic growth. Since Durham University's spin-out company, Magnitude Biosciences, is involved in preventing degenerative diseases with the help of the Intensive Industrial Innovation Programme (IIIP), investors interested in supporting finance for such innovative enterprises might find it worthwhile to explore opportunities within the region.
Furthermore, those interested in self-development and learning can engage with Durham University's numerous educational initiatives, such as continuing professional development (CPD) in science for schools and teachers, and the TechUP programme that offers free programmes to help women and people from underserved backgrounds retrain into tech careers. By participating in these programs, individuals can seek to expand their knowledge and skills in various sectors like health innovation, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital technologies, aligning with the university's broader strategy to enhance educational outcomes and prospects in the North East.
