Universities Drive Local and Regional Economic Growth

New report highlights universities’ role in place-based innovation

A recent national compendium published by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN) emphasises the role of universities as key contributors to local, regional and national economies. The University of Bradford is featured as a contributor, showcasing its Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE) as an example of how universities support inclusive, place-based innovation.

Place-based innovation and economic development

The KCIN’s first i-PLACE Compendium, titled Innovation Ecosystems, brings together peer-reviewed research and case studies from across the UK. It explores how innovation ecosystems that are shaped by the specific characteristics of their local areas can better connect research, enterprise and economic development.

The University of Bradford’s contribution, Innovator-driven enterprise: an approach to regional ecosystems, stresses the importance of supporting individuals and organisations already embedded within local economies. The paper argues for building on existing strengths by improving access to skills, networks, finance and long-term partnerships, rather than importing innovation from outside.

The Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE)

BREE is a place-based enterprise programme run by the University of Bradford. It aims to help students, staff and members of the local community develop business ideas rooted in Bradford’s economic needs. The programme provides mentoring, funding and access to expertise, connecting research, entrepreneurship and local partners.

This approach reflects the KCIN’s emphasis on universities acting as civic anchors—institutions that connect research, enterprise and communities to drive inclusive growth and long-term economic impact.

Views from local partners

Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Bradford, said universities play a crucial role in local, regional and national economies by working closely with employers, councils, public services and regional authorities to ensure innovation meets local needs.

Mark Roberts, a Yorkshire entrepreneur and BREE advisor, highlighted the value of supporting local businesses to scale and innovate, stating that nurturing the innovation ecosystem is essential for regional prosperity.

Addressing regional inequalities

The KCIN report also draws attention to persistent regional inequalities across the UK. It suggests that place-based innovation can deliver greater impact for local areas compared to centralised approaches.

Bradford’s strengths in health, life sciences and engineering, combined with its young and diverse population, are noted as important factors supporting creativity and resilience in the region.

National context and ongoing discussions

Councillor John Merry CBE, Chair of Key Cities and Deputy City Mayor of Salford, commented on the compendium’s significance, noting how cities and universities can develop innovative approaches rooted in local experience with national relevance.

Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford and co-editor of the compendium, emphasised the importance of real partnerships and locally meaningful innovation ecosystems that can be scaled across the UK.

KCIN activities in Bradford

In January 2025, the University of Bradford hosted KCIN’s third annual conference, focusing on urban renewal and place-based innovation. The event included a tour of Bradford’s Southern Gateway, highlighting local infrastructure developments.

The Innovation Ecosystems compendium was launched on 29 April 2026 and is expected to inform ongoing national debates about the role of cities, universities and partnerships in shaping the UK’s future economic development.