Hub to drive growth launched by University of Leicester at Labour Party Conference
The University of Leicester unveiled its ambitious plan to help drive economic growth in the East Midlands, today at the Labour Party Conference.
The launch of the University’s Growth Hub was announced during a conference panel discussion held in Liverpool today (Tuesday 29th September), which included former chairman of the Labour Growth Group, Chris Curtis MP.
At a time when sustainable economic growth, productivity, competitiveness and investment are national priorities, the Growth Hub will bring together the University's strengths in business research to support entrepreneurs, businesses, policymakers and communities tackle challenges, seize new opportunities and turn ideas into growth.
This will be achieved through engagement activities that involve sharing knowledge and translating original, world-leading research on responsible growth for business and society into accessible forms including videos, podcasts, playbooks, toolkits, policy briefings, workshops and other activities that will allow business, society, and politicians to benefit from insights and produce growth.
The University of Leicester panel event was titled Good Growth or Good Slogan? Who Really Has the Power to Deliver It?
It was set up to explore the role of regional anchor institutions, such as universities, in driving sustainable, inclusive and locally led growth. The discussion dovetails with Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s vision of ‘Good Growth’, which places regions, businesses and communities at the heart of economic success.
Chris Curtis MP said: "The Prime Minister’s ‘Good Growth’ agenda has sought to invest a broader range of stakeholders in economic growth from across the regions, businesses and wider society. This builds on the Modern Industrial Strategy and the Post-16 Education and Skills and Growth and Skills White Papers, outlining plans to promote economic growth and detailing the interconnected actors nationwide who can help implement it.
“With ‘Good Growth’ central to the Prime Minister’s policy agenda and regional anchor institutions a key enabler of its delivery, the University of Leicester School of Business Growth Hub will enable businesses, policymakers and communities to drive responsible growth and make a meaningful difference to the world around us."
Dr Georgiana Grigore, Growth Hub Director, said: “The Growth Hub reflects the University's commitment to generating world-leading research and insight and fostering collaboration that delivers tangible benefits for businesses, society and the economy. By building strong partnerships and creating new connections, the Hub will turn knowledge and ideas into positive change, adding value to the lives of people across the East Midlands and beyond.”
Joining Chris Curtis MP and Dr Grigore on the event panel were Dr Gavan Conlon, a partner at London Economics, and Professor Neil Chakraborti, Director of the University of Leicester Institute for Policy.