Keele University’s contributions to local regeneration and its work with businesses, public sector organisations and charities have been recognised in an assessment from a UK Government research body. 

Research England’s fourth Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4), which has been published today, scores universities against a range of metrics including how effectively they work with support business innovation; and their contribution to local regeneration, skills and enterprise.   

The results show that Keele remains among the very best performing institutions in the UK for contribution to local growth and regeneration, as well as being among the highest levels of engagement for research partnerships with non-academic colleagues; working with businesses of all sizes; and work with public and third sector organisations. 

Keele’s role as an anchor institution within the local community has taken on even greater significance this year, with several projects announced exemplifying the transformative power of universities in their local area. 

Highlights include a growing number of research and skills partnerships with Health Trusts, Skills Bootcamps in Net Zero and Smart Energy, judged as Outstanding by Ofsted, and cultural events in local communities. 

The university’s first ever physical premises in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, known as “Keele in Town”, has also been created, providing a setting for further engagement with local communities and businesses.   

These initiatives are all in addition to Keele’s underlying commitment to the region’s economic prosperity, and the key role that universities play in realising that vision. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, who has also led on aspects of the knowledge exchange agenda at national level, said: “Since our founding in 1949 we have provided a blueprint for how universities can transform their local communities, and play a pivotal role in societal reinvention through research and education. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, we're even more mindful of this privileged position that we hold, and the results of this Knowledge Exchange Framework further emphasise this important role we play in local regeneration.”  

Ann Pittard, Director of Engagement and Partnerships and Keele University Science and Innovation Park, added: “We’re extremely pleased to have maintained our strong position in this year’s Knowledge Exchange Framework across many important categories. The Framework provides us with some useful benchmarks to inform our knowledge exchange activities, and it is always good to see strong and improving performance.”