• Keele University has performed strongly for the third year in a row in the third Knowledge Exchange Framework - a national assessment of its contribution to local growth and regeneration. 
• Not only did the University maintain its position among the very highest in the UK for contribution to local growth and regeneration, but it was also among the highest levels of engagement for research partnerships, public and community engagement, and working with business. 
• The University’s strong contribution to local growth and regeneration also underscores the impact of the four “Keele Deals” - economy, culture, health and recovery. 

A strong civic mission 

Keele University has performed strongly for the third year in a row in a national assessment of its contribution to local growth and regeneration. 

The third Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF3) has been published by Research England, which scores universities against a range of metrics including how effectively they work with businesses; engagement with the public; and their contribution to skills, enterprise and entrepreneurship.  

Not only did the University maintain its position among the very highest in the UK for contribution to local growth and regeneration, but it was also among the highest levels of engagement for research partnerships, public and community engagement, and working with business. 

The improved performance relating to partnerships with the public sector reflects an ongoing drive by Keele to work with local policymakers and not-for-profit organisations, to leverage its research, expertise, and graduate talent for the good of the region.  

Major economic benefits 

Keele was also placed in the highest possible band for ‘Local Growth and Regeneration’, further emphasising its significant contribution to the local area and the economy, which was confirmed by a recent economic impact analysis by independent economists Hatch.  

The report revealed that the University contributes around half a billion pounds each year to the West Midlands economy, with nearly three quarters of this (£345m) in the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire local enterprise area. 

The University’s strong contribution to local growth and regeneration also underscores the impact of the four “Keele Deals” - economy, culture, health and recovery; which were set up with partners to realise the benefits of research and innovation, generate growth, improve healthcare and put our region at the heart of the transition to a lower carbon economy. 

Transforming local communities 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, who has also led on aspects of the knowledge exchange agenda at national level, said: “Keele University was founded with a mission to foster societal recovery and reinvention, and that purpose remains at the core of our ethos today. In the 75 years since our founding, we have provided a blueprint for how universities can transform their local communities, and the results of this Knowledge Exchange Framework further emphasise this important role we play in local regeneration through our research, education, and our organisational activities.” 

Ann Pittard, Director of Engagement and Partnerships and Keele University Science and Innovation Park, added: “The Knowledge Exchange Framework provides us with some useful benchmarks to inform our knowledge exchange activities, and it is always good to see strong and improving performance. But the main driver for the many staff and students working in these areas is to make a difference for communities and society as a whole.”