- Visit led by Aston University’s Vice-Chancellor and Mayor of the West Midlands
- Plans for Aston University’s Digital Health Innovation Campus shared
- Knowledge Quarter has potential to grow into a nationally significant ‘innovation zone’.
Aston University has hosted the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on a tour of Birmingham’s growing Knowledge Quarter.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aleks Subic and Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street led the visit. They were joined by Rob Valentine, Birmingham director of property firm Bruntwood, and Paul Kitson, Birmingham City Council’s strategic director of place, prosperity and sustainability.
The Knowledge Quarter is a fast-growing part of the city centre housing small, medium, and large technology businesses, universities, colleges, hotels, and two conference centres. It is also home to the main HS2’s Birmingham terminal.
Commercial activity within the Quarter has led to it being identified as an area with the potential to grow into a nationally significant ‘innovation zone’. This will attract further global investment and encourage local businesses and new start-ups to thrive and expand. Crucially, it will support regeneration in some of the city’s most deprived wards.
During the visit, held on 23 February, Professor Aleks Subic shared his plans with the Secretary of State to establish Aston University’s Digital Health Innovation Campus, which will bring together academic, technical, commercial and financial resources to boost digital health innovation and health tech, and contribute towards improving health equity and access in the region while creating new job opportunities in the city.
Professor Subic said: “With this strategic development positioned in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter, we are taking a “triple helix” approach, involving a strategic partnership between Aston University, Bruntwood and Birmingham City Council – as well as with NHS and other digital tech businesses – working together effectively to deliver inclusive growth and innovation and attract investment. I have seen first-hand how this approach works in Australia and was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss this with the Secretary of State.
“The Knowledge Quarter is an asset-rich area, with Aston University playing a unique role, due to our proven expertise and track record in bringing together industry and academia to solve real world problems through applied and translational research.”
Michelle Donelan MP leads the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The government department was set up to position the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement and to promote a diverse research and innovation system that connects discovery to new companies, growth and jobs.
She said: “Science and technology has the power to create jobs and opportunities across each and every region of the UK.
“It was exciting to see the plans for Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter being developed by Aston University with the backing of Mayor Andy Street and I know it will have a hugely positive impact on the area.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This knowledge quarter has the potential to enhance the health, prosperity and connectivity of both the immediate and neighbouring areas of the city.
“That’s why it was wonderful to join the Secretary of State and showcase what is being achieved here in the West Midlands.
“With continued collaboration and in partnership with government, we have a wonderful opportunity to develop and deliver an ambitious coordinated plan to maximise the impact we can have for the benefit of local people in the months and years ahead.”
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a university since 1966, Aston is a long-established university led by its three main beneficiary groups – students, business and the professions, and the West Midlands region and wider society. Located in Birmingham at the heart of a vibrant city, the campus houses all the University’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Aleks Subic is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
In 2022 Aston University was ranked in the top 25 of the Guardian University Guide, based on measures including entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality and graduate prospects. The Aston Business School MBA programme was ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
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