The 4th Engage HEI conference deemed a "great success"
Published 26 January 2012
Building on the successful Engage HEI conferences in 2007 (Lancaster), in 2009 (Birmingham City) and 2010 (Bradford) the purpose of this conference was to explore how academics and practitioners understand knowledge exchange activities with businesses, frame the work theoretically and practically and incorporate learning in order to improve engagement and to inform policy on the real impact of these kind of activities.
The conference focused on ‘the impact of engaging’. HEIs hav
e long been engaging with businesses and the community however we are in a period of change, especially in the way that universities are funded. This conference was designed to gather the relevant people to explore and debate the role of HEIs in supporting and working with businesses. The day was made up of presentations, round table discussions and information socialisation to share ideas, approaches and stories across UK knowledge transfer /exchange and outreach activities.
Dr Sue Smith said, “The Engage HEI Conference is a platform for Higher Education Institutions to look at impact in terms of business engagement. The 2012 conference allowed sharing of best practice(s) and developed key messages, on business engagement impact, to share with policy makers.”
“It is vital for our future economic growth that business and universities work closely together." Rt Hon David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science
Rt Hon David Willetts, Minister of Universities and Science, gave the keynote opening speech at this year’s conference. During his speech he urged universities to increase their efforts to boost knowledge transfer income from businesses, by 10%, despite a stagnant economy. “We went through the £3 billion mark in 2010 and I urge the sector to keep on going, in what’s an excellent record but where we can do even more.” He also mentioned the re-launch of innovation vouchers for SME’s to allow them more academic support from universities. He further spoke of his desire for a greater uptake of sandwich courses by universities giving those studying in HEIs the opportunity to gain valuable experience in industry and increase their employability skills. This was featured in The Times Education, to read the full article click here.
Research at the conference revealed the success of the LEAD programme, originally developed by Lancaster University Management School. The programme has been extended throughout the North West and is now being offered to franchise which will allow LEAD to be extended to the South West and London. For more information click here.
Event co-ordinator, Jenni Nowell, commented “the conference ran very well, with the keynote speakers; including Rt Hon David Willetts MP, being received excellently. Delegates came away from the second day already looking on towards next year’s Engage HEI conference“
Feedback and comments from delegates:
- Much more interactive than the previous year’s conferences – (discussion areas within the programme allowing people to go into more detail about their abstract.)
- Good mix of perspectives/practices/research, very good to have 10 minute slots. Goo mix of policy/government.
- Extremely enjoyable, relevant and inspiring.
- Excel lent conference was competitively priced. Excellent gala dinner Very enjoyable and look forward to returning in the future.
- Excellent organisation. Just the right size for networking. Stimulating and engaging couple of days.
- Event should be bigger and bigger profile
- Workshops & discussion as last policy session was great
- Some relevant presentations and good opportunities for networking.
- Enjoyable conference and friendly delegates
