Comment: 'University innovation can be pivotal in delivering Devo opportunity'

When people think about universities, teaching is often the first thing that comes to mind. 

Educating future generations is, of course, a core part of what we do, and over 60,000 students call Leicestershire home.

But universities also play another vital role: generating new knowledge, developing innovative solutions, and helping businesses and communities tackle real-world challenges through research and innovation. 

Set in the context of Devolution, our contribution through research means we are central partners in building a more productive, inclusive and successful future for our region.

Research and innovation are fundamental to the missions of Leicestershire’s three universities: De Montfort, Leicester and Loughborough. 

Some of this work delivers impact over many years, creating benefits nationally and internationally. For Loughborough, our partnership with Rolls-Royce has made aircraft engines more carbon efficient and quieter and our work with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation helps set the UK’s Living Wage.

Innovation is equally important. By working closely with businesses, Leicestershire’s universities help organisations develop new products, services and ways of working.

We also support the creation of entirely new enterprises through spin-outs and start-ups. Initiatives such as VentureVersity, delivered through the Universities Partnership, are helping to transform university research into commercial opportunities and viable spin-outs across sectors including manufacturing, health tech and utilities.

And innovation ecosystems such as Space Park Leicester and Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) are providing the facilities, expertise and networks that enable key growth sectors and businesses to flourish.

Collectively, these two ecosystems support more than 5,000 jobs and generate over £540m of economic impact each year. The result is high-quality jobs, increased investment and greater wealth for the region.

This contribution matters because successful places are increasingly built on knowledge, innovation and talent. Devolution presents a significant and vital opportunity for Leicestershire to shape investment and decision-making around local priorities, unlocking the full potential of the region’s assets.

Our universities are also committed to using our research expertise to tackle local issues. Projects such as Active Healthy Living are tackling health inequalities and supporting healthier and more active communities through new gym stations in public spaces in Southfields Park and the Bell Foundry estate in Loughborough, as well as cycling initiatives delivered for Charnwood residents. 

And the Rutland Business Support project, co-led by the three universities, has helped connect over 30 local SMEs with the universities to offer expert knowledge and specialist facilities.

For example, thanks to the research expertise provided by the universities, Rutland Plastics was able to review and optimise its automated manufacturing process to increase productivity, and J. Laverack Bicycles undertook advanced aerodynamic testing of a new component to support product development and commercialisation.

I am incredibly proud of the role that Leicestershire’s three universities play as anchor institutions. 

Through research, innovation and collaboration with our partners and communities, we help create the ideas, businesses and opportunities that drive prosperity. 

By bringing together our strengths in research and innovation, De Montfort, Leicester and Loughborough have a pivotal role in ensuring that Devolution truly delivers growth, opportunity and improved outcomes for our region’s communities.