GFCC University and Research Leadership Forum

Leadership dialogue on Universities 4.0 and their role in driving place-based innovation and socio-economic transformation

Aston University

Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC)

Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI)

HEDx

Place-based innovation facilitated by universities and embedded within regional and national innovation ecosystems is a global phenomenon as universities partner with public and private sector like never before, and transition to new business models in response to several transformations and opportunities. Innovation precincts or districts are geographically targeted areas designed to stimulate economic growth by leveraging physical and digital assets of universities, research institutions, and high-tech companies, advanced civic infrastructure, and thriving ecosystems of entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors.

More recently place-based innovation has become a major driver of inclusive growth and socio-economic transformation, including re-generation of post-industrial cities. Universities play a pivotal role in driving place-based innovation with technology innovation, acting as drivers of the Universities 4.0 concept. They do so in new roles as active catalysts of change through knowledge transfer and skills development for an emerging global digital economy. This unique leadership dialogue event will curate global leaders from universities, government, industry and communities to showcase leading examples of place-based innovation, share strategies, and develop an agenda for their further development, as part of the work of GFCC.

A full-day event on 8th November, at Conference Aston, Aston University, Birmingham featuring keynotes on the topics of:

Place-based Innovation for Inclusive Growth

As hubs for research and innovation, universities create and share new knowledge, fostering collaboration between academics, students, and businesses, commercialising research, and catalysing new and growing existing enterprises.

Digital Knowledge and Enterprises for a Changing World with AI

Universities help cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, both through their curricula and by offering support to start-ups and spin-off companies. They also facilitate collaboration between researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and businesses to drive innovation in inclusive manner (including addressing digital inclusion at scale and pace via modularised and online learning). Further more, universities equip a broader and more inclusive range of students with advanced skills needed by businesses within cities and regions, thereby creating a local talent pool that can fuel growth in an era of proliferation of AI technologies during times of ageing populations and declining birth rates.

Bridging Gaps: Universities, Industry and Community Partnerships for Impact

Universities engage with the local community and stakeholders to drive development projects, attract investment, bridge skills gap, improve productivity, and promote inclusivity and sustainability.