Russell Group Forms Expert Panel to Strengthen University Contributions to the UK Industrial Strategy

Russell Group Forms Expert Panel to Strengthen University Contributions to the UK Industrial Strategy

(IN BRIEF) The Russell Group has formed an expert advisory panel to develop strategies for maximizing the role of UK universities in delivering the government’s Industrial Strategy. Chaired by the University of Warwick’s Vice-Chancellor, Stuart Croft, the panel includes prominent leaders from business, academia, and government. The initiative aims to enhance university collaborations with public and private sectors to drive innovation in critical areas such as AI, healthcare, and clean energy. The panel’s recommendations will inform government plans for economic growth.

(PRESS RELEASE) COVENTRY, 11-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The Russell Group, a consortium of leading research-intensive universities in the UK, has established a new expert advisory panel to develop comprehensive proposals on how universities can play a crucial role in supporting the government’s Industrial Strategy. The panel will focus on maximizing the impact of the higher education sector on the UK’s economic growth and public services through research, innovation, and partnerships.

Notable figures who have joined the panel include former Secretary of State Greg Clark; Jen Tippin, Group Chief Operating Officer at NatWest Group; Lucy Yu, CEO of the Centre for Net Zero at Octopus Energy; Dr. Robert Scott, Vice President of Human Genetics and Genomics at GSK; and Dr. Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, a successful university spin-out. Other prominent leaders from business, academia, and public service sectors will also participate.

Chaired by Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, the panel aims to outline key recommendations for universities, government, industry, and public sector partners. These recommendations will enhance the contributions of university research and development (R&D) to areas critical for the UK’s economic recovery, such as health, clean energy, and economic resilience.

This announcement coincides with the release of the Russell Group’s new report, Future Ready, which highlights the essential role of research-intensive universities in delivering on priority areas through collaboration with businesses, public services, and third-sector organizations. The report showcases existing partnerships that are already driving progress in sectors such as healthcare and sustainable energy.

Stuart Croft emphasized the strategic role of universities in fostering economic growth and innovation: “The UK’s research-intensive universities are a key national resource, poised to contribute significantly to the country’s Industrial Strategy. Our long-standing partnerships with the private and public sectors are essential for improving business performance and enhancing public services. The expert panel will provide valuable insights on how universities can strengthen these collaborations and deliver even greater impact.”

Croft also stressed that the panel’s recommendations will be instrumental as the government prepares to announce further details of its new Industrial Strategy, expected to be outlined by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the upcoming Budget.

With leaders across business, politics, and academia contributing to the panel, its findings are expected to offer innovative solutions for harnessing the UK’s research strengths in fields such as AI, healthcare, clean technology, and data. These sectors are key to securing the nation’s competitive advantage and shaping the future economy.

The Russell Group’s report, Future Ready: The Role of Research-Intensive Universities in an Innovation-Led Industrial Strategy, is available for download and further details.

Notes:

• Confirmed members of the advisory group so far include Stuart Croft (chair), Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick; former Secretary of State Greg Clark; Lucy Yu, CEO of the Centre for Net Zero (Octopus Energy); Dr Robert Scott, Vice President of Human Genetics and Genomics at GSK; and Dr Arnab Basu, Chief Executive of Kromek.
• A report by London Economics commissioned by the Russell Group, published in February 2024, found that the group’s 24 universities generate almost £38bn for the UK economy through research, commercialisation and innovation activity.
• Start-ups and spin-outs alone accounted for £17.8bn in direct, indirect and induced impacts.
• Research and innovation at the Russell Group also supported 254,000 jobs in 2021-22 across all four nations of the UK.

Media Contact:

Phone: 07392 125 605
email: press@warwick.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Warwick