The University of Exeter's firm commitment to working with regional businesses to stimulate local regeneration been recognised in a comprehensive national assessment.
New data from the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), produced by Research England, is a landmark tool that helps universities and policymakers understand how higher education is driving forwards to achieve economic growth and societal benefit across England.
Now in its fifth year, KEF shines a light on how different universities collaborate with businesses, communities, and public services. It enables institutions to track their progress, benchmark performance, and make smarter decisions about how they share knowledge and innovation with the world.
In the assessment, Exeter scored highly across a range of metrics, including research partnerships, working with business, and working with the public sector and third parties. The university achieved the highest score possible for local growth and regeneration - one of only two Russell Group universities so achieve the top score.
President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, Professor Lisa Roberts, said: "We're incredibly proud to demonstrate our commitment and success in working with regional businesses to promote economic regeneration and growth. Exeter is one of only two Russell Group universities to be recognised as engaging at a very high level for local economic growth, and in the last few years, we've made a concerted effort to promote and work with businesses aligned with our agenda of creating a Greener, Healthier, Fairer society. I'm delighted to see this work bearing fruit, and achieving this top score really highlights the benefits we bring to our city and to the South West Peninsular.
"I would like to thank everyone involved, including our valued partners, in delivering these results."
Chris Evans, Divisional Director of Exeter Innovation, the university's knowledge exchange service, said: "The results of KEF4 demonstrate an ongoing commitment at the University of Exeter to deliver excellent support for business and our partners across the region and across the world."
The Knowledge Exchange Framework aims to measure how effectively higher education providers are working with businesses, serving the economy, supporting their communities, and benefitting the wider public.
