University of Birmingham Chancellor Lord Bilimoria, and Provost and Vice Principal Adam Tickell, accompanied Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid, and Universities Minister Jo Johnson, to New Delhi, for the India launch of the Midlands’ Engine.
Less than a week after the Secretary of State launched the Midlands Engine Prospectus at the University of Birmingham, a senior delegation of Midlands’ University representatives hosted the first overseas launch of the initiative in New Delhi.
The Midlands’ Engine promotes the Midlands’ region as a hub for innovation and hi-tech manufacturing, harnessing the brightest and best from both countries to fuel economic growth, productivity, and jobs.
Launching the initiative Mr Javid said: “The Midlands’ strengths and assets make it a natural engine for growth. The Midlands is the heartland of our thriving manufacturing sector and home to 25 British universities. We want to build on existing education and business links with India and further develop the collaborations between our countries by focusing on universities as the creators and drivers of the knowledge economy.”
The launch was marked by an alumni event in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) whose director, Dr A Didar Singh, is an alumnus of the University of Birmingham.
Dr Sing said: “I am a direct beneficiary of the British Education system. This launch will open doors for further collaboration, academic research, and business between British and Indian institutions and companies.”
The Midlands Engine Prospectus – the first of its kind in the UK – is the result of 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) coming together with their plan to boost productivity, attract inward investment, increase connectivity and build a regional tourism offer.
Lord Bilimoria and Professor Tickell were also joined by the Vice-Chancellors of Leicester and Warwick Universities for the discussions.
Lord Bilimoria said: “Industry and universities are working together throughout the region to improve skills, productivity, R&D and innovation, and to improve the infrastructure of the region, thus helping the Midlands’ Engine to power ahead as a regional economy that will export UK goods and services worldwide and also attract foreign direct investment.”
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Notes to Editors
A leading UK research-intensive university, the University of Birmingham is a vibrant, global community and an internationally-renowned institution, in the top 100 globally. With approximately 32,000 students and 7,000 members of staff, its work brings people from more than 150 countries to Birmingham. The University has a bold strategy to develop its global reputation by enhancing its international presence and collaborations. In addition to India, Birmingham has strategic partnerships in the USA, China and Brazil.