The University of Exeter has strengthened its position as a key partner in driving regional economic growth, achieving the highest possible rating for local growth and regeneration in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).
The result also recognises the University’s contribution to supporting businesses, public services and communities across the region, and its role in turning research and expertise into practical benefits for the economy and wider society.
Produced by Research England, the KEF provides a national assessment of how universities work with organisations beyond higher education, from developing research partnerships with businesses to supporting local economic development and collaborating with the public sector.
Now in its sixth year, the framework gives universities and policymakers a clearer picture of the ways knowledge, research and innovation are being shared beyond campus. It also enables institutions to track progress, identify opportunities for collaboration and demonstrate the impact of their work with businesses, communities and public services.
Exeter performed strongly across a range of KEF measures, including local growth, public and community engagement, research partnerships and working with business. The University achieved the highest possible score for local growth and regeneration – making Exeter one of only two Russell Group universities to achieve this distinction.
Exeter’s continued success in supporting innovation and commercialisation saw the University recording significant growth in spin-out turnover, increased licensing income and further improvements in graduate entrepreneurship, reflecting the growing impact of Exeter research, innovation and enterprise activities.
The results reflect Exeter’s ongoing work with partners across the region to support innovation, strengthen local economies and contribute to long-term growth and regeneration.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter said: “I am delighted that the University of Exeter’s commitment to driving economic growth and prosperity has been recognised in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework.
“Receiving the highest possible rating for local growth and regeneration is great recognition for the work our colleagues do with regional partners to build a stronger, more resilient and innovative economy; an economy that responds to the needs of communities across the South West and beyond.”
Chris Evans Divisional Director, Exeter Innovation, at the University of Exeter said: “These results demonstrate the scale of Exeter’s contribution to innovation, business growth and regional prosperity.
“We are particularly pleased to see continued strength in our research partnerships and commercial activities, alongside improvements in graduate enterprise, spin-out performance and innovation funding. As a globally connected university with a strong regional mission, we remain committed to working with partners to create economic, social and environmental impact.”
The Knowledge Exchange Framework aims to measure how effectively higher education providers are working with businesses, serving the economy, supporting their communities, and benefitting the wider public.
It sits alongside the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and the Research Excellence Framework (REF) to help provide a complete assessment of the work conducted by universities.
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