This project explores the role of universities in shaping places. We will be looking at the skills and role involved in place leadership and what this looks like in universities.
It will provide a review of all themes and projects and identify case studies and best practice emerging from the WMREDI programme within the context of place leadership. We will be investigating key questions such as:
- What does ‘place leadership’ mean?
- How are universities engaged and utilised in developing the image, future and growth of cities/places?
- How do universities currently link to other players in the skills system and what needs to changes to make the role of universities more effective to deliver city/regional priorities?
- What role do universities play in entrepreneurship?
- What role do universities play in business support?
- What role do universities play in place-based innovation systems and how can their role and effectiveness be enhanced?
- How have universities responded to COVID-19?
WMREDI
Research Theme 6
Governance and Institutional Arrangements
Specific objectives will also be to:
- Mapping of activities of local universities and review of actions/activities to combat COVID-19 (linking with the CLES work on Anchor institutions)
- Investigate the roles of universities within other themes and review of evidence/literature, such as role in developing strategy, developing city centres, providing skilled labour and R&D
- Investigate the types of leadership required and skills of people within universities and the utilisation and effectiveness of hybrid roles and functions which span universities, policy and delivery
- Review of City-REDI and WMREDI and success/learning from the programme
The project will have 3 main work packages:
- Survey of people in ‘grey space’ roles, looking at job roles, objectives, types of activity and position in university.
- Networked team across the other work packages gathering data, case studies and evidence as part of an evaluative approach to leadership by universities
- Development of tools and methods which improve the approach to university place leadership