The Role of Universities in Urban Poles: A Case Study of Coventry, UK

1. The Role of Universities in Urban Poles: A Case Study of Coventry, UK

2. Introduction • A visit to Coventry exploring the role of universities and wider development of enterprise and entrepreneurship, in particular the activities of Coventry University inevitably raises a range of critical questions: • What are the partnership structures that exist to shape economic development policy in Coventry and the strategic direction and approach of the University? • How has the successful development of Warwick University and Coventry University impacted upon the community of Coventry? • What has driven Coventry University to develop its business development capacity and profile? • What are the core elements of the Coventry University model that enable it to be referenced as an “enterprising university” • Can the “enterprising university” concepts of Coventry University be replicated elsewhere? • What are the new developments of Coventry University and how will these support the further development of Coventry and enable its local community to address the issues of the economic crisis?

3. ABOUT COVENTRY • Coventry is a city and metropolitan borough in the county of West Midlands in England. Coventry is the 9th largest city in England and the 11th largest in the United Kingdom. • In the late 19th century, Coventry became a major centre of bicycle manufacture, with the industry being pioneered by Rover. By the early 20th century, bicycle manufacture had evolved into motor manufacture, and Coventry became a major centre of the British motor industry • Coventry University traces its origins back to 1843 with the foundation of the College of Design and its links with the motor industry of the Midlands were reflected in its earlier title of Lanchester Polytechnic More than most universities, Coventry is a creature of its city, and the civic-minded approach of the university has created many town–gown links.

4. ABOUT COVENTRY

5. FROM INDUSTRIAL CENTRE TO INNOVATIVE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT • In the late 19th century, Coventry became a major centre of bicycle manufacture. By the early 20th century, bicycle manufacture had evolved into motor manufacture, and Coventry became a major centre of the British motor industry • The 1970s, however, saw a decline in the British motor industry and Coventry suffered badly. By the early 1980s, Coventry had one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. • The Council's Business, Investment and Enterprise Team are leading the drive to support the City's growth plans by encouraging and supporting business investment • Their innovative Sector Development Strategy is designed to give Coventry based businesses a competitive advantage which they can exploit

6. PARTNERSHIPS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY INTERACTION • The strength of Coventry and Warwickshire is based on its partnership relationships. These include 3 local authorities, district authorities, 2 universities (Coventry and Warwick), further education colleges, the voluntary sector, chamber of commerce and private business. • A key asset for the sub-region is the location of universities and the universities role in contributing to economic development opportunities going forward. • Universities are seen in this context as providing an academic powerhouse for the sub region; applying knowledge to enhance productivity, generating a skilled talent base, supporting innovative and high growth businesses and for linkages to the business community and the transfer of research expertise.

7. PARTNERSHIPS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY INTERACTION • The University values the partnerships it develops and believes in investing time and effort to strengthen these relationships, turning them into long-term strategic alliances. • Coventry University has produced a simple partnership development process and methodology aimed at promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and improved partnership working.

8. PARTNERSHIPS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY INTERACTION • Coventry University combines a broad base of academic excellence and expertise with a focus on applied research - innovation, knowledge transfer and service provision. • This is based in part around the development and implementation of key structures, including the University Business Development Group, Coventry University Enterprises, Applied Research Institutes and the University Employer Engagement company ACUA. • The Business Development Group is formed of 3 linked teams; Corporate Partnership Unit,, Business Development Team and Business Development Support Office. • The Business Development Team brings extensive external experience to the University. They support the University applied research Centres, Groups & Institutes and individuals in particular they develop collaborative research and consultancy proposals from major strategic projects to small grant applications

9. APPLIED RESEARCH IN A BUSINESS FACING UNIVERSITY • The University classifies Applied Research as activities ranging from traditional academic research and collaborative research with partners, through to knowledge transfer activities, consultancy and continuing professional development. Applied Research expertise at Coventry University is clustered around specialist Centres, Groups, & Institutes. • Applied Research Centres (ARCs) are teams of at least 15 academic, business support staff, contract staff and research students who pursue common applied research activities to achieve clearly defined agreed objectives. Applied Research Groups (ARGs) perform similar activities but often on a smaller scale, with teams made up of at least three members. • This work is enhanced through the continual development of 4 applied research institutes: • Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship • Institute for Creative Enterprise • Health Design Technologies Institute • Serious Games Institute

10. APPLIED RESEARCH IN A BUSINESS FACING UNIVERSITY New & Established Markets A key element of an Institute involves supporting companies and supply chain organisations to access the facilities of the Institute and partners Assisting entrepreneurs in the sector to start their own companies. - academics, partner organisation staff, or students Institute New models of working and of collaboration IPR-basedStart-ups Specialist Business Support An Applied Research Institute provides a focus for funding applications - giving access to wider funding steams and bodies Specialist learning includes postgraduate courses, and commercial training Applied Research Specialist Learning Joint Funding Opportunities

11. APPLIED RESEARCH IN A BUSINESS FACING UNIVERSITY • Through its Research Institutes, the University provides high quality buildings and facilities to support staff and partners undertaking applied research activities. The aim of each institute is to create an environment which supports a unique combination of commercial activity and academic research. • The Health Design & Technology Institute (HDTI) is an innovative research institute and dedicated facility championing a national initiative to provide better community healthcare products and services for the elderly and people with disabilities. • The Serious Games Institute (SGI) is a dedicated facility for applied research, business incubation and demonstration; supporting and showcasing the emerging serious games industry. • The Institute for Creative Enterprise (ICE) nurtures and develops graduates and arts based businesses into creative enterprises; supporting the performing arts, arts practice, media, communication and cultural studies. • The Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE) is home to all enterprise and entrepreneurship activities at Coventry University.

12. CONCLUDING REMARKS • The City of Coventry has a proud industrial heritage based on its role as a major centre for the manufacture of watches and clocks, bicycles and motor vehicles. • Alongside this industrial development Coventry University has played a significant role in the city dating back to the formation of Coventry College of Technology in 1843, subsequently the College of Technology, College of Art and College of Engineering and Technology were amalgamated to form a Polytechnic institution which in 1992 became a University. • More than most universities, Coventry is a creature of its city, and the civic-minded approach of the university has created many town–gown links. • the city and the sub region of Coventry and Warwickshire has harnessed the potential of the 2 universities located in the City through the development of partnership structures and establishment of strategic priorities in which the universities are actively engaged and work in partnership with.